Anthony Joshua in talks to fight Joseph Parker
ANTHONY JOSHUA and Joseph Parker are eager to fight each other in a heavyweight clash early next year but the money has to be right for both boxers.
Joseph Parker's promoter has confirmed talks with Anthony Joshua's camp
That is according to WBO champion Parker's promoter David Higgins, who has “exchanged emails” with Eddie Hearn.
“My message was Joe would fight Joshua next and Hearn's message was that Joshua would fight Parker next,” Higgins said.
“It's now a question of the deal and money.”
Higgins has also been in talks with promoters for Deontay Wilder, who holds the WBC title.
“They have put a figure on the table,” he added. “It wasn't enough.
“If they put the right amount of money on the table we will go to America to fight Wilder.”
Anthony Joshua beat Carlos Takam last month
Parker’s next fight, however, is likely to be against Australian Lucas Browne, who claims a fight is set to be announced this week.
A bout between Joshua and Wilder has been mooted for next year, but Parker’s trainer, Kevin Barry, is keen to get his man in the ring with the IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight title holder.
Joshua defeated Carlos Takam in Cardiff last month but Barry believes he has spotted the Briton’s weaknesses.
"That Joshua fight puts everything into perspective now," he said. "Takam had done no sparring. He tested Joshua right to the end. We saw how gassed Joshua was.
It's now a question of the deal and money
"We all saw that Joshua could not hurt Takam. That showed me that he is very beatable. He can't knock you out with one punch. He is very robotic.
"I think the guy is there for the taking and I want us to get in front of him before someone else beats him."
Parker is set to enter a training camp in Auckland before heading back to Las Vegas in mid-January.