Any chance of Joseph Parker taking on Joe Joyce on July 2 is “thin” according to New Zealand manager David Higgins.
The two contenders are in talks to finalize a deal that will see the highly ranked candidates go head-to-head this summer. However, even though Joyce’s promoter Frank Warren insists the deal is “Pretty close to completion” complications appear.
“They want a longer-term deal, which means it needs to be carefully contracted, every situation needs to be 100 per cent right. If it’s a fight against Joyce then it’s going to be easier,” Higgins told Stuff NZ, who added that negotiations are on a “blade”.
If the fight takes place on the scheduled date of July, then Higgins says a contract will have to come in the next few days so his men can start preparing with coach Andy Lee.
Parker and Joyce attended Tyson Fury’s world title defense against Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium last month. And in front of television cameras, viewers believe that the battle has already taken place. That was almost three weeks ago and nothing has been officially announced yet.
“They are putting a lot of effort into tying Joe up in many fights. That works as long as the contract is well laid out and protects Joseph,” Higgins hypothesized.
Parker is now an ad-free agency after a consecutive win over Dereck Chisora. Joyce is recovering from a wrist injury that has forced him to be out of action since his last win over Carlos Takam 10 months ago.
