Parker knocks out idea to fight Hunt

Kiwi heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has shot down suggestions he could fight UFC star Mark Hunt.

Parker’s former promoter Dean Lonergan raised the prospect of the two entering a boxing ring, seeing it as a marketable fight for New Zealand.

Lonergan, setting up a new promotions company following his split with Duco’s David Higgins, felt it could have a local impact, offering similar intrigue to Floyd Mayweather’s boxing victory over UFC star Conor McGregor.

But Parker isn’t interested in fighting his distant Samoan cousin who has been a firm supporter of the former WBO world heavyweight champion.

‘‘He’s a great fighter, I’m a boxer, and he’s a UFC fighter, but we’re family so we can’t fight each other,’’ Parker told TV3 yesterday.

Parker is 26 and eager to get back up the rankings while Hunt, who has a strong stand-up game in MMA with his heavy hands, is 44 and has just one fight left on his current UFC deal.

Parker, whose record has dipped to 24-2 on the back of consecutive points losses to British fighters Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, continues to train and maintain his fitness in Auckland as he waits for his next assignment.

‘‘We’re looking at fighting at the end of the year, hopefully back in New Zealand, and we’ll hopefully make an announcement soon,’’ Parker said.

‘‘We’re looking forward to climbing back to the top and fighting for the titles again.’’

In other heavyweight boxing news, the Staples Centre in Los Angeles has been confirmed as the venue for the December 1 clash between WBC world champion Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.