BRITISH boxing seemingly isn’t done with Joseph Parker just yet.
Last year, the New Zealander was a regular fixture on these shores, boxing the likes of Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, and now there is talk of a return visit in April.
His next UK opponent, if he chooses to accept, could be Dereck Chisora, the Finchley heavyweight eager to bounce back from a knockout loss to Whyte in December.
“Like most top heavyweights, Joseph will be willing to fight anyone,” Higgins told Sky Sports. “I see Eddie Hearn mentioning Chisora publicly.
“If the deal was right, then sure enough, Joseph certainly will not back away from anyone. It will be interesting to see how that pans out.
“There’s been one email from Eddie. No detailed discussion whatsoever.”
Despite his disappointing form in the UK last year, Parker, a former WBO champion, did manage to salvage a win against Alexander Flores in Christchurch before Christmas. But, of course, the 26-year-old has now had a taste of the big-time, is a well-known face in the UK, and is therefore keen to make some more pound notes in 2019.
“As I say, Joseph would be willing to step in with anyone, provided it’s the right terms,” reiterated Higgins. “I’m hoping to speak to Eddie this week.
“He [Parker] had a very good off-season; he’s kept in shape.
“[It is] Probably the best I’ve seen him, so he’s ready to get in camp as soon as the right deal is put in place.”
In terms of future business, losing a heavyweight title unification fight against Anthony Joshua last March might be the greatest move of Joseph Parker’s professional career.
The rivalry between young heavyweights Nathan Gorman and Daniel Dubois might not be the big one in British boxing right now but that doesn’t mean it won’t potentially one day be a good one.
The two Frank Warren-promoted heavies are on a collision course – of sorts – and Gorman, in particular, appears eager to get his hands on Dubois, the younger man by a year, as soon as possible.
To this end, the Nantwich man believes an impressive win for Dubois on March 9 against Razvan Cojanu – someone Gorman, 15-0 (11), was unable to stop in December – could be just the incentive Dubois needs to step up in class and meet him. It is for this reason he hopes Dubois, 9-0 (8), can win by stoppage.
“It is a two-way street, that fight,” explained the 22-year-old, who returns to the ring in Leicester on February 23. “I can see either Daniel knocking him out early or Razvan cuddling him and doing little tricks then getting to round seven or eight and still doing the leaning on with little elbows, shoulder in the face.
“It will test Daniel’s heart but, on the other hand, he could have the perfect style and end up knocking him out.
“I hope he does – I really do. He’ll probably think, in his own mind, ‘If I’ve knocked Razvan out, I can knock Nathan out,’ and he might get the cojones to fight me.
“I’ll be there cheering him on.”
Until the fight happens, you sense Nathan Gorman will remain Daniel Dubois’ biggest fan. And vice versa.
