Retaining his WBO heavyweight world title is great news for Joseph Parker. The glamour is being restored to the heavyweight division, not least due to Anthony Joshua, who can fill a stadium in the UK against a little known fighter in Britain like Kubrat Pulev. Parker doesn’t appear as tough an opponent as the likes of Pulev or Luis Ortiz but holding the precious title would give Joshua the opportunity to add a third world crown to his collection.
Parker is basing himself in the UK as he seeks big fights. Tony Bellew is now a big name after beating David Haye and taking on the big New Zealander would present Bellew with the tempting chance at a fairytale end to his career, becoming a heavyweight champion of the world.
Wilder is the WBC champion and presumably the second best heavyweight in the world. The winner of this confrontation would hold two world titles, and therefore taking on Joshua afterwards would be a huge event, setting up the fight to unify all four heavyweight world titles.
4. Hughie Fury
There was outrage in some quarters after the scoring that saw Parker retain his world title against Hughie Fury in Manchester on Saturday. They didn’t combine to produce a thriller but a rematch would settle the debate.
5. Tyson Fury
There is a way to go before the former heavyweight champion is ready to fight again. He has to lose weight, get in shape, get his licence back. Even though he appears pretty friendly with Parker (he performed a topless haka (the Maori wardance) for him afterwards) Fury remains a star name and this fight would allow him to restore family honour.
