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Joseph Parker's promoter teases world title fight – but not against Usyk
Joseph Parker’s promoter has confirmed that the Kiwi will fight Moses Itauma, “it’s just a matter of when.”
David Higgins explained to Sky Sports that Itauma and Parker will share the ring at some point. However, the timing of such a meeting depends on how the heavyweight division plays out in the coming months.
Higgins said: “In terms of what is next, Joseph has never shied away from anyone. Be it Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, Bakole at short notice,"
"I think Joseph will fight Moses Itauma, it's just a matter of when. Moses is young and doesn't have the resume that Joseph has, and so it's just how the cards fall and whether it's the right move."
Parker is currently the WBO interim heavyweight champion, an accolade he earned when he knocked out Martin Bakole in the second round earlier this year.
Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
The full-fledged honours currently belong to the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk who knocked out Daniel Dubois on July 19. The WBO have ordered negotiations between Usyk and Parker for a mandatory defence of the WBO title.
But Higgins revealed that there has been complete radio silence from Usyk’s team and that he believes he has no intention of defending his title.
Higgins said: "There is no noise, no engagement, no negotiation from Usyk's team. All thinking and wisdom is that Usyk doesn't want to defend his WBO world title. That is the feeling."
If a fight is not made, then Usyk will be forced to vacate his title, unblocking the road for Parker to finally have the shot at becoming a two-time heavyweight champion that he was denied by Daniel Dubois.
As the interim champion, Parker would have to fight the WBO’s number one contender for the vacant belt, which is currently Itauma. Itauma, meanwhile, still has to defeat Dillian Whyte this weekend.
Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN
Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte is live and exclusive on DAZN PPV this Saturday, August 16. Buy the PPV for a one-off fee or get it for free by purchasing a DAZN annual subscription (exc. US).
More information, pricing and to buy click here.
