British boxing superstar Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has slammed the recent performances of Kiwi fighter Joseph Parker.
The WBO champion defended his title with a lacklustre performance against Hughie Fury in Manchester last month, with Hearn describing the fight as 'very poor'.
Reports out of the UK have said Parker and Joshua are set for a unification bout at Wembley Stadium in July next year.
But after a run of 'poor performances', Hearn said it has made Parker a tough sell in the United Kingdom.
"I think it was a very poor performance from Joseph Parker," Hearn told SecondsOut Boxing
"It was a very poor performance by Joseph Parker against Razvan Cojanu. It was a very poor performance against Andy Ruiz.
"Now people think Joshua against Parker is a mismatch. But he's very difficult to promote (in the UK).
"I don't necessarily agree with that. Stylistically it's a good fight and he's got a belt."
Hearn confirmed that Parker's poor showing against Fury cost him a fight against Tony Bellew - who will now face David Haye in London in December.
"We were looking at the Bellew fight for Parker but the value diminished because of the Hughie Fury performance and because of his poor back-to-back-to-back performances. It wasn't a great night for Joseph Parker."
Fury's promoter Mick Hennessey was not happy that Parker won the fight against Hughie, describing the result as 'disgusting'.
Even through Hearn is confident Parker won the bout, he believes Fury can challenge for the heavyweight title again in the future.
"It was a very poor heavyweight fight. I had it very close, but I did give it to Parker because of his finish.
"I don't think that Hughie fought the wrong fight, I'm not sure he would have got as close fighting another fight (style.
"I think the game-plan against Parker was spot-on, they just didn't throw enough punches, they didn't let the right hand go enough.
"Fury impressed me in the fight because I thought he would get stopped. But he didn't take enough chances.
"Hughie can compete at a top level but he needs to engage his style more."
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