Hearn serious on AJ v Parker

Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn says he is exploring ‘‘reality and fantasy’’ as he tries to work money deals to seal heavyweight boxing title unification fights with Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder.

Hearn confirmed WBC and IBF champion Joshua wants to have all the belts by the end of next year and that means tangling with WBO champion Parker and WBC holder Wilder.

Parker is adamant he wants to fight Joshua next and Hearn confirmed he is in earnest discussions with Duco boss David Higgins to try to make that happen.

‘‘I spoke to David Higgins [on Tuesday night] and we are discussing the deal and fight in depth over the next few days to see if there is some common ground,’’ Hearn told the UK’s Sky Sports as the unification process starts to gather pace now that all three fighters are clear of mandatories.

"I had a good meeting with AJ [on Tuesday] – it’s his goal to try and become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world by the close of 2018 so, at present, to do that we must go through Parker and Wilder.’’

Hearn also revealed he was set to open discussions with Wilder’s handlers. Both Parker and Wilder have been demanding more than Hearn is prepared to offer and that remains the sticking point.

The British camp see Parker as the softer of the two options and in planning their year will likely look to fight the Kiwi ahead of the hardhitting Wilder. Dates in MarchApril and July-August for the two super fights look most likely. An early clash suits Parker.