Hearn dangles Joshua carrot
British boxing mega-promoter Eddie Hearn has dangled the carrot of an Anthony Joshua rematch in front of Joseph Parker, but also warned that a defeat against Dillian Whyte would likely send the Kiwi tumbling into oblivion.
Hearn, speaking to at the public workout for Sunday’s Parker-Whyte virtual heavyweight eliminator in London, admitted a Parker victory would immediately put him back in the frame for another tilt at Joshua, who holds four of the world titles in the division after his unanimous points victory over the New Zealander in Cardiff.
‘‘It all depends how you win . . . but the most important thing is he’s a young man and there are very few fights in the division. If he wins against Whyte he has the time to do a Joshua rematch – it’s just a case of when,’’ said Hearn.
Hearn’s Matchroom organisation also represent Joshua. And the firm relationship between the British boxing promotional heavyweights and Duco’s David Higgins is strong, and getting stronger by the day.
On the other side of the coin, Hearn warned that the loser on Sunday faces an unwanted ticket on the fast train to nowhere.
‘‘The downside is your world championship ambitions are completely over . . . completely over for the next two years. That’s how long it could be, and that’s why it’s so massive.’’
Hearn said Parker had already established himself as a respected drawcard in the British market, but the right type of display against Whyte could take him to the next level.
‘‘He’s already got great value in this market. This is a big, big fight, and if they can beat Dillian Whyte we’ll probably see them base themselves here and there will be another fight.’’
The manner of the defeat to Joshua did not harm Parker’s image irreparably, added Hearn. He’s still the only true heavyweight contender never to have been knocked off his feet.
‘‘He conducted himself in a good manner. He lost, but he took it on the chin, and didn’t moan. A few things were said about the
ref, but ultimately he said I weren’t good enough. Brits like that. They like the fact he’s taken a fight like this because neither guy really had to.’’
Hearn felt Parker looked in the right condition to provide the style of fight that the heavyweight division needed.
‘‘He looks more built for a tearup than for speed like he did last time. Last time he might have taken too much weight off. Although he was just messing around with [trainer] Kevin [Barry, in the public workout], you could see him on the inside and I hope that’s a sign of things
to come. If we get that kind of fight it’s going to be an absolute barnburner.
‘‘The winner of this fight goes on to be in a great position, but the winner in a brilliant fight and a great performance takes it to a whole another level.
‘‘In this kind of fight he has to
express himself, enjoy himself and fight free. If he can do that it’s going to be one hell of a fight. It has got the potential to be an absolute war, and Joe needs that kind of fight.’’