Parker’s next rival named

The first step in the Joseph Parker comeback trail shapes as a tricky assignment as the Kiwi heavyweight returns to the ring in Christchurch at the end of the year. Parker’s opponent for the December 15 event is Mexican-American Alexander Flores, who has suffered just one loss in 19 professional fights. Parker’s career is at a crossroads after successive defeats in Britain this year, where he surrendered his WBO title to Anthony Joshua before conceding another unanimous decision to Dillian Whyte, leaving his record at 24-2. While the 26-year-old will be expected to get back on track on home soil, Flores has the credentials to suggest he won’t have it all his own way. Promoted by the legendary Roy Jones Jnr, Flores’ record stands at 17-1-1 with 13 wins via knockout. The 28-year-old’s lone defeat came at the hands of former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin in 2014, which he took on two weeks’ notice.