Parker to Usyk: I’m the A-side

A feisty Team Parker are demanding 70 per cent of the revenue from any world title fight with Ukrainian star Oleksandr Usyk.

New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker is in Las Vegas training for a February 29 fight in Dallas against a yet-to-be announced opponent.

But it’s the juicy prospect of taking on Usyk for the WBO title later in the year that seems to be occupying plenty of his team’s thoughts.

Parker and Usyk could get an unexpected chance for the WBO belt if champion Anthony Joshua is forced to vacate it because of having too many mandatory challenges with three of the four major titles in his corner.

Parker’s manager David Higgins has made an early bargaining claim, insisting the Kiwi, a former WBO champion, has the credentials in that division. Usyk, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and unbeaten at cruiserweight, has stepped up to heavyweight with just one unimpressive win.

‘‘Usyk has not earned his stripes at heavyweight,’’ Higgins told Sky Sports in the UK. ‘‘Joseph Parker is the A-side and Joseph Parker has sold out the Principality Stadium with Joshua, he’s sold out The O2, with Whyte.

‘‘So if Usyk wants to share the ring with Parker, I would be expecting 70-30 open book revenue share in Parker’s favour. I’ll get ridiculed for that, but listen, Parker has beaten Andy Ruiz, and he’s a big name in the UK, so Usyk is the B-side.

‘‘Absolutely Joe would fight him, as long as the Usyk team recognise and understand that they are the B-side, there’s no problem.’’

Both Parker and Usyk have Britain’s Eddie Hearn as their promoter at Matchroom Boxing. Hearn may have to oversee a heated negotiation process if the fight is ordered.

Higgins is adamant the fight would be entertaining but insists his man should be rewarded accordingly.

‘‘There’s a saying that styles make fights,’’ Higgins told Sky Sports.

‘‘I think Joseph Parker has a better chance against Usyk than say Anthony Joshua. I think Usyk would dissect Anthony Joshua, too big and slow, whereas Parker is quick.’’