Eddie Hearn admires Joseph Parker for having the gumption to risk his mandatory shot at the IBF heavyweight title by taking on a dangerous opponent in Alexander Dimitrenko.
Hearn, who represents Joshua, has confirmed that Parker is likely to be named as the next challenger for the title as long as he can get through the seven-foot German next weekend.
My favourite to fight Anthony Joshua next is Joseph Parker, he said.
"If we can make that happen, I think it’s great news for world boxing, of course for Anthony Joshua, of course for Joseph Parker, for New Zealand and all our international broadcast partners. We have our fingers crossed he gets through Dimitrenko and we can get that fight on."
Hearn is weary that Dimitrenko can put a spanner in the works of any future plans and has advised Parker to focus on the task at hand and not get distracted by talk of a showdown with the heavyweight champion.
"When you go into a fight like this (Dimitrenko), you can’t help having in the back of your mind, that you’re already mandatory to fight for the world title, so that brings a little bit of added pressure, he’s got to stay composed, use his speed, move in and out at speed and deliver the shots."
Hearn respect for Parker has grown ten-fold since the Kiwi beat perennial contender Carlos Takam earlier this year, and appreciates the tenacity the New Zealander is showing by putting what he has earned on the line.
"I think it’s a very gutsy move by Joseph Parker and his team, they’re obviously very confident in their ability.
"When you’ve got a fight like Anthony Joshua in front of you, many would just go into their shell and say ‘I’m not even going to the gym until that fight is signed’ but they’re confident in their ability."
"What I like about Parker and the team is, they’re actually looking to improve, to get the right preparation for Anthony Joshua and I think Dimitrenko is good preparation (for Anthony Joshua), very tall, can punch as well. I think it’s a very good fight to prepare for Joshua, but risky at the same time, when you’ve got that golden fight in front of you."
The outlook of the heavyweight division is likely to be made clearer early next week when Joshua announces his next move, which could now include a bout with Wladimir Klitschko, who is available to fight due to Tyson Fury's on-going issues.
Newshub.
