Unconvincing Parker heads to the UK
"We'll go back into camp and you never know what can happen." Parker's promoter David Higgins
Joseph Parker’s next opponent appears as uncertain as his unconvincing performance on Saturday night. All we know for sure is the WBO world heavyweight champion will defend his title for the first time in the UK within the next four months.
Parker’s dour points win over sparring partner Razvan Cojanu, in his last fight in New Zealand for some time, allowed challenges and critics a free swing. From the always outspoken Dillian Whyte to Tony Bellew and Hughie Fury, all three Brits wasted no time mouthing off about their respective claims to dethrone the Kiwi.
Jibes about Parker being the easiest target of the three heavyweight champions won’t bother his camp for now. All it does is build his profile and expectations as he maps his first UK venture.
‘‘Promotionally it’s good in a way,’’ Parker’s promoter David Higgins said. ‘‘Those Brits will be talking it up. We’ll go back into camp and you never know what can happen.’’
Whyte is a sideshow - a risky proposition with little upside. Bellew shapes as the most lucrative prospect and, therefore, most immediately desirable fight.
A natural cruiserweight, Bellew is not physically imposing. His lure comes after he moved up to shock David Haye, but the victory was tainted as the former champion battled on one leg after rupturing his Achilles.
Parker and trainer Kevin Barry both made it clear they would welcome a fight with Bellew, potentially at Liverpool’s Goodison Park.
‘‘Love it - sounds good to me,’’ Parker said. ‘‘I’ll have a rest first and talk with the team but it’s a fight we would love to have in the UK.’’
Barry said: ‘‘I think it’s a great opponent for Joe. I’ve always thought it was a good opponent; his style, size and the way he moves. It’s a fight that if he engages could be a very quick night.’’
Fury is the big, awkward stumbling block. Despite pulling out two weeks before his scheduled fight with Parker with a questionable back injury, Fury has maintained his mandatory status and, according to the WBO, the right to face Parker next.
Fury’s standoff style doesn’t make for a compelling spectacle but his name, largely trading off his cousin Tyson, creates global appeal.
One theory is Fury, who hasn’t fought for a year and might relish a tune-up fight, could be paid off in the short term, allowing a deal to be struck for him to challenge the winner of Parker-bellew with the WBO title still at stake.
The WBO, however, says the situation is black and white. The only way Parker can cash in against Bellew next is if Fury takes another fight, or if an unlikely unification bout can be made with fellow champions Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.
On the evidence of Parker’s effort against Conjanu, both those are too soon.
Parker’s camp see Bellew and Fury as much easier ways to make their mark in the booming UK market.
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren claimed his camp now have 30 days to negotiate with Parker’s team, and if terms cannot be agreed another purse bid would be ordered.