It’s the question asked in the aftermath of every boxer’s last fight. What next? Joseph Parker beat Hughie Fury on Saturday night. A majority decision that some weren’t best pleased with. But the result, if not the scoring, was probably just about on the mark.
Parker is the first ever heavyweight world champion from New Zealand; a title he obtained last December when he beat American fighter Andy Ruiz jr. The then vacant WBO title was not easily won against Ruiz. Fury continued that trend in the Manchester Arena on Saturday. Parker though finished stronger and despite a furious reaction from Fury’s promoter, Mick Hennessy, Parker had done enough to earn the chance to defend his belt. But against whom?
David Haye
Parker spoke in the lead up to his fight with Fury of the respect he has for Haye. He was using Haye’s gym in preparation for Saturday night, so it is inevitable that some level of friendship is there. But Parker doesn’t see it as a road block.
“We respect each other but when it’s time for business, it’s time for business. A lot of boxers get along well. But if you have to fight each other, then leave that relationship behind. I would be happy to fight him.”
However any such fight won’t be happening anytime soon, with Haye returning to the ring with Tony Bellew in the 02 Arena in December. His current focus will be on avenging March’s defeat. A 6th round ankle injury eroded any viable opportunity of winning. This fight, should put the matter finally to bed.
Deontay Wilder
Wilder may well prove a more attractive proposition. A chance to unify Parker’s WBO title with Wilder’s WBC belt, would certainly excite. Both titles on the line would make for a high-profile bout. The undefeated heavyweight, called out Parker in April. However, it is unclear how enthusiastic Parker is for a fight with Wilder who has a phenomenal record.
“The Bronze Bomber” from Alabama has innate talent, coupled with an 83-inch reach and has deep power in his punch. His record is a tale of knock-outs and total knock-outs. However he must first overcome another knock-out artist - Luiz Ortiz - in Brooklyn, in November. Then, he can start focusing on his next opponent. And by then the dynamics of the upper echelons of heavyweight boxing may have shifted somewhat.
Antony Joshua
The reason why the things may have evolved, is because Joshua still has to contend with Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, at the end of October. Joshua is in the sights of Wildner, but Parker is hoping for the same opportunity. Parker is willing to base himself in the UK for the immediate future, in an effort to be close to hand for an opportunity to face Joshua.
Parker said “I want to base myself here in terms of fighting more here. The scene is booming here at the moment, so I want to be a part of it, to have the big fights here.”
However Pulev could change things for everyone; not least Joshua. If Joshua does want Pulev’s soul, as he said earlier this month, the Bulgarian is unlikely to be perturbed by such rhetoric. Pulev is likely to attack from the start and is wily enough to fight just within the confines of the law. That’s not to insinuate he is a dishonest bruiser. He is hardened, and has nuanced his defensive game, no longer the same fighter who will drop his hands at will when in defence.
Which means, that for all the talk, Parker’s next opponent may well be Pulev himself. There’s no knowing where the next dramatic plot-twist may lie.
