There may have been a tingle of excitement on Saturday night when Joe Joyce versus Joseph Parker was all but confirmed for this summer however there is no deal yet.
So says Parker’s manager David Higgins who spoke to Stuff on Sunday.
“Contrary to widespread reporting there is no deal yet for Joseph Parker to fight Joe Joyce.
“Joseph does want the fight yes, but it won’t happen until a contract is fully negotiated and signed by all parties on terms Parker is happy with. Right now, we are not there yet, and Parker remains a free agent open to any offers.”
At Wembley Stadium during BT Sport’s Box Office broadcast of the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte card journalist Steve Bunce was joined by promoter Frank Warren and both Parker and Joyce to announce the bout.
Warren, who is looking to host the event at another outdoor stadium said, “These two giants are going to fight each other to see who’s the best giant. This could be a great fight between the two of them; we’re looking to put it on at some point in July.”
Joyce is ranked number one by the WBO while Parker is at two. Should the two men meet then there is a strong possibility the fight could be a final eliminator to see who gets a shot at the title currently held by Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian is set to defend his belts in a rematch against Anthony Joshua this July.
Parker had been growing impatient at the fight not being signed off having been continually linked to a clash against Joyce who has been recovering from a wrist injury.
“It’s been brewing for a while now. We’re nearly done to agreeing the fight,” the former WBO heavyweight champion said at Wembley.
“We’re so close — we just need Frank to sign the contract and then we’re on. I’d love to fight Joe Joyce.”
Joyce himself clearly believes the fight will happen and took to Twitter on Saturday night to post a mock-up fight poster of himself and Parker. The Brit has risen to a top contender spot in a short space of time having only had 13 fights which includes wins over Daniel Dubois and most recently against Carlos Takam.
Parker’s last two contests both came against heavyweight gun for hire Dereck Chisora with the New Zealander winning on both occasions.