Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has reiterated his interest in a rematch against old rival Dillian Whyte, with the Kiwi also eyeing a potential fight with rising force Daniel Dubois.
Brixton’s Whyte was on the brink of a WBC title shot against Tyson Fury before he was knocked out by Alexander Povetkin in five rounds at Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood last month.
A rematch with Povetkin has already been scheduled for November 14 or 21 as Whyte seeks revenge and a career rebuild, but Parker still cherishes his own return after suffering a narrow points defeat to the Londoner in July 2018.
“I lost to the better man [in Whyte] on the day,” Parker told Sky Sports’ Toe 2 Toe podcast. “I know I can beat him though, so that’s why I’ve been calling for a rematch ever since, and I would love to share the ring with him again one day because I know I could do some damage.
“He knocked [Povetkin] down twice and I thought, ‘This fight’s over’, but that just shows in a fight, one punch can change everything and that’s exactly what happened. I was quite surprised, the manner that he lost, and I called him after the fight and said: ‘Hey, you all good?’. He answered the phone, he said he’s going to come back stronger.
“We know that he’s a driven individual and he’s got the rematch clause. I look forward to seeing the rematch and the outcome of that.”
Currently the WBO’s No.3 contender at heavyweight, two slots behind mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk, Parker is in a strong position for another shot at his old crown, which he lost to current champion Anthony Joshua in March 2018. The affable New Zealander is also keeping a close eye on WBO No.2 rated fighter Daniel Dubois who recently leapfrogged him in the ratings.
“I feel like there’s a big chance we can face each other,” said Parker (27-2, 21 KOs). “He’s ranked No 2 now in the WBO, so he’s past me, I’m ranked No 3. You keep an eye on everyone that’s fighting, you keep an eye on the rankings, you keep an eye on the people coming up, the guys who have been there for a while.
“You never know in boxing, there’s match-ups can be made with anyone. I’m keen to fight anyone, I don’t care who it is. I’m in a position now where I just want to fight the best, be involved in the biggest fights, and go out there and try and smash you, so I can be champion of the world once again.”
Main image: Matchroom Boxing.