Joseph Parker is set to sign against Joe Joyce at Wembley Arena in June.
1news.co.nz reported the story yesterday and added that the New Zealander could also sign a one or two fight deal with Joyce promoter Frank Warren.
Parker and Joyce have been tipped to have a fight against each other in recent months but over the past week the Briton has turned his attention to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. ‘The Juggernaut’ and ‘AJ’ exchanged some words on Twitter and while Warren said he would be happy to do the fight it looks like Joyce will face Parker instead.
The undefeated Joyce is the number one contender for the WBO belt but will have to wait her turn to shoot against current champion Olekandr Usyk. Ukrainians have recently returned home to join the fight against Russian aggression towards their country. That leaves the image of the triple title up in the air and the likes of Joshua and Joyce looking for bouts in the meantime. The WBC heavyweight title will be defended by Tyson Fury against Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium on April 23.
Parker is one place behind Joyce in both the WBO and WBC rankings at second and third, respectively. The 30-year-old free agent has won head-to-head encounters with Dereck Chisora recently and particularly impressed in their rematch three months ago.
Joyce, who is recovering from a wrist injury, had hoped to return as early as June. The 36-year-old last fought back last July to stop a Carlos Takam game in six innings.
