Joseph Parker's WBO world title defence against Hughie Fury will take place on May 6 in Auckland with reports suggesting an impending drugs hearing for both Hughie Fury and his cousin Tyson was the reason for the delayed signing of the contract.
According to UK media reports, Hughie Fury could face a hearing alongside Tyson regarding the alleged failure of a drugs test in 2015 before his match-up with Parker in May.
The drug in question is the prohibited steroid nandrolone which he and Tyson vehemently deny taking. Tyson is already under provisional suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control as the additional consequence of self-confessed cocaine abuse.
Speculation surrounding the date of his fight with Parker initially had the event taking place in Auckland on April 1.
However without a word from either camp just over one month out from the bout, the date looked unlikely. Parker's promotion group Duco Events are set to announce it this week.
David Haye was initially the mandatory challenger for Parker following his victory over Andy Ruiz Jr to win the WBO title in December. However with Haye opting to fight fellow Brit Tony Bellew in an eagerly awaited grudge match, Fury was elevated to the mandatory challenger spot.
The winner of the fight will likely earn a date with WBC world title holder Deontay Wilder who called Parker out following his knockout of Gerald Washington on the weekend.
Newshub.
