Fury senior launches tirade at Parker’s promoter
LONDON: Sparks have flown between the promoter of New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker and the trainer of opponent Hughie Fury, adding extra vitriol to this weekend’s bout in Manchester.
Rather than take a seat at the top table for yesterday’s press conference, Duco Events boss David Higgins approached Fury’s father and trainer, Peter.
Higgins proceeded to complain about the appointment of Britain’s Terry O’Connor as referee for the fight, which the Parker camp has disputed.
Higgins’ protests did not go down well with the Furys and, as the Aucklandbased promoter was escorted from the venue by security, an enraged Peter Fury rose to his feet and blasted Higgins in front of reporters.
‘‘Take another line d . . . head. You’re rattled. Who gives a f . . . about you, or your bodyguards? I come from the streets,’’ Fury said.
‘‘F . . . off d . . . head. Let the men fight. Bloody dummy.’’
Later, Fury alleged Higgins wanted to pull Parker, the WBO heavyweight champion with a 230 record, out of the fight and flee to New Zealand.
Higgins later told New Zealand reporters he was fully entitled to do that, as O’Connor’s appointment was in breach of contract.
But he said he would not make that decision without the full support of both Parker and Parker’s trainer, Kevin Barry.
Parker implied he did not support that course of action.
‘‘I have a great team behind me who focus on all the noise — there’s not many distractions coming my way,’’ the 25yearold Parker said.
‘‘I’m in great shape, so there’s no excuses.
‘‘He’s my promoter. I’m not really sure what that’s about.’’
Both fighters also expressed their confidence before the bout, saying they felt capable of securing a knockout victory.
Despite the 23yearold Fury’s home advantage and an unbeaten professional record of 200, Parker heads into the bout as firm favourite.
He will transfer from London to Manchester tomorrow, knowing a statement victory is crucial for his future prospects in the UK. — NZN