The dream of a WBO title fight coming to New Zealand is almost a reality for Joseph Parker after Tyson Fury relinquished his belts earlier today.
The former heavyweight relinquishing his WBO, IBO and WBA belts mean that it clears the road for Parker to fight for the WBO title when he comes up against Andy Ruiz, the date is the only real detail yet to be decided on.
Speaking from Los Angeles, Duco Events Promoter Dean Lonergan said that Fury took the road less travelled in relinquishing his belts but that it was all good news for Parker.
"I think Tyson Fury is looking to gain a little bit of favour and save the WBO a bit of drama by relinquishing the belts,” he said.
“[Fury is] trying to be a 'champion in recess’ which means, should Joseph Parker beat Andy Ruiz, if we get that deal done, then Tyson Fury at some stage will be guaranteed his shot to get his belt back, it’s a fight we’d be happy to have".
He also said that a world title fight was almost locked in with everything playing out according to script.
“This is a huge step in the right direction, three things have had to happen for us to fight Andy Ruiz for the world title, one, Tyson Fury has to be stripped, or relinquish the belts, so that’s one, Step two, Joshua, Anthony Joshua, has to sign to fight Wladimir Klitschko, that’s coming up. Step three, we need to come up with an agreement with Bob Arum and Andy Ruiz, we’re on our way.”
The man at the centre, Joseph Parker, said that while he felt for Fury it was too much of an opportunity to pass up.
“It’s disappointing for Fury, he’s been really good to me, and I hope he gets well soon, but it’s an exciting opportunity which can’t be ignored,” he said.
“I have my fingers crossed my promoters can stitch up a deal to bring the WBO World Title to New Zealand.”
Newshub.