Dean Lonergan says if the WBO title isn't on the line, Joseph Parker will not fight Andy Ruiz in the coming months.
Longergan's comments were made after Andrew Gourdie and James McOnie on Radio LIVE Sunday Sport spoke to WBO Vice President John Duggan, who liked the idea of a box-off for the WBO title.
"Bob Arum and I have the same views – that if the belts are not on the line, the fight is not going to happen," said Lonergan.
"Why would we do that when we could take on a 6ft 6 guy in preparation for the winner of Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, which would be guaranteed to happen in March.
"If we can't fight Ruiz this side of Christmas for the WBO title, there is no point of going for the title for either party.
"We want to have world title fight for the WBO title for the first ever time in New Zealand," he said.
Lonergan is annoyed that the WBO is not following the rules which they set, and will push that point hard when members of the WBO and managers meet in Puerto Rico in the coming days.
"One thing I will be saying is the rules are there for a reason. You invented them, so stick with them," said Lonergan.
"There are consequences for those who don't follow the rules."
Members of the WBO and managers will meet in Puerto Rico in the coming days to discuss what exactly to do with the vacant world titles.
Tyson Fury voluntary vacated his belts following a tumultuous few weeks during which he both tested positive for, and admitted to, the use of cocaine in an effort to focus on his rehabilitation.
For the full interview, click here.
Newshub.
