Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker would have no problems to fight with any of the top names in the division when he returns this autumn.
The New Zealander’s manager, David Higgins, believes his top client will be back in the ring in August or September probably in his homeland.
Giggins has ruled out two opponents – Lucas Brown and Junior Fa. Browne has obligations to fight in the US, while Fa wants too much money.
“Matchroom has said they would support it and we’re doing due diligence on the budget,” Higgins told Sky Sports.
“I’m holding discussions with city locations. There’s a mountain town named Queenstown in the Southern Lakes district, it’s stunning scenery. Joe has never fought there. The mayor of Queenstown signaled an interest in holding the fight there.
“We would probably look at a smaller venue, a boutique event with everyone getting a chef-created dinner and showcasing some of the best food and wine of New Zealand. We can quarantine in an opponent from anywhere. New Zealand has announced it’s going to let America’s Cup sailors come into New Zealand, so boxing should be treated the same. With government dispensation, we could bring in an opponent from the UK, or the United States.”
“We’re in a climate where some boxers are going to accept that the money will be less and put their hand up to fight anyway like Joseph Parker, who has got a good head on his shoulders.
“He understands that he’s not going to get top dollar, but he’s a boxer and he’ll fight anyone, because he wants to keep busy. He’d fight Chisora, he’d fight Dillian Whyte, he’d fight Usyk. The budget won’t be enough to bring them in, so then it’s a question of who can we put on and who will step up?
“We’ll lay out the red carpet if any of those British want to come down here to New Zealand. I’m skeptical, I think they like fighting in their own backyard. We’ll look at all-comers, but it’s going to come down to money as well and what’s realistic.”
Source: www.boxingscene.com
