Joseph Parker needs to problem one of the best heavyweight on the planet, Oleksandr Usyk, subsequent. However he suspects he may need to field rising star Moses Itauma first.
Parker’s staff have instructed Sky Sports activities that with direct discussions with Usyk’s representatives but to begin they’re anticipating that.
Usyk reunified the 4 main heavyweight world titles when he knocked out Daniel Dubois final month at Wembley Stadium.
To retain his undisputed championship standing Usyk must defend in opposition to Parker, the obligatory WBO title challenger, subsequent.
However Usyk may vacate the WBO belt, or be stripped of that title.
Parker’s promoter David Higgins instructed Sky Sports activities: “There is no noise, no engagement, no negotiation from Usyk’s team. All thinking and wisdom is that Usyk doesn’t want to defend his WBO world title. That is the feeling.”
Itauma, who takes on Dillian Whyte this weekend in Riyadh, is the following most extremely ranked heavyweight within the WBO’s scores. If Usyk vacates or is stripped of the WBO heavyweight world title, Parker may field Itauma for that championship.
“In terms of what is next, Joseph has never shied away from anyone. Be it [Deontay] Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, [Martin] Bakole at short notice,” Higgins mentioned.
“I think Joseph will fight Moses Itauma, it’s just a matter of when. Moses is young and doesn’t have the resume that Joseph has and so it’s just how the cards fall and whether it’s the right move.”
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Moses Itauma previews his upcoming battle with Dillian Whyte and is concentrating on a shot at undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk subsequent 12 months
Parker beforehand instructed Sky Sports activities: “I’d love the opportunity to challenge myself against the best in the world.
“[Usyk] may not battle me however then if the WBO turns into vacant, I am going to must battle another person for it. You simply by no means know.
“There’s a lot of things that happen in boxing, there’s a lot of things that happen in life really. You just have to adjust and adapt to what’s in front of you and what I can control is what I can do in the meantime, which is train hard, stay ready, stay fit, keep building,” Parker continued.
“Because when the time does come I’m going to take it with both hands.”
The finals of the Riviera Field Cup might be streamed reside on Sky Sports activities on Sunday August 17.
