Parker keen on possible Fury fight
Joseph Parker is willing to fight Tyson Fury if the terms are right.
That’s the clear message from Parker’s promoter David Higgins as the Kiwi heavyweight’s name features in a mix of possible opponents for the British giant on the back of a United States TV deal that has confounded the turbulent division.
ESPN and several specialist boxing sites have talked up Parker as a worthy option for Fury who has just signed a copromotional deal with American promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank last week for five fights to be broadcast on ESPN, worth a reported NZ$152m.
It has thrown doubt over Fury’s rematch with WBC champion Deontay Wilder who is aligned with rival broadcaster Showtime which aired their December draw. Negotiations for that rematch continue and the WBC want some answers this week.
Arum has subsequently tried to lure Wilder to ESPN too but it seems there is an appetite to have the Fury v Wilder sequel simmer for a bit and have both stars build that up by taking on other opponents. Former WBO champion Parker is available after last week pulling the pin on an April 20 fight with Dereck Chisora in London. ‘‘We have said Joseph Parker will fight anyone, anywhere if the terms are fair and that stands. We would fight Tyson Fury,’’ Higgins told Stuff yesterday. ‘‘We are not naive, that’s a very tricky fight. Some would say that Parker shouldn’t be going near Fury with where he is at on the comeback trail.
‘‘But it’s a risk-return business. Parker-Fury would generate huge revenue. Any heavyweight can beat another heavyweight and if the terms were right and fair we will fight Fury. But it would have to be a substantial offer.’’
Higgins sees the fight as highly marketable after Parker beat Fury’s cousin Hughie in a 2017 title defence in Manchester.
Higgins has worked with Top Rank boss Arum who was involved in organising Parker’s world title win over Andy Ruiz Jnr in late 2016 and had a co-promotional deal with Parker’s handlers at Duco Boxing. Relations are somewhat strained after Parker pulled out of a fight with Arum’s Bryant Jennings last year to take on Dillian Whyte at late notice. But Higgins felt that could be worked through.