Boxing: Joseph Parker open to October bout with Dereck Chisora

Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker has his eyes firmly set on a bout against Dereck Chisora in October according to his manager David Higgins. 

After plans fell through to fight earlier in the year, Parker is now determined to get in the ring against 'War' Chisora sooner rather than later after the British heavyweight demolished Artur Szpilka inside two rounds at the O2 Arena in London. 

While no date has officially been confirmed, promoter Eddie Hearn is keen for the proposed bout to take place at the same London venue on October 27 (NZ time). 

Parker last fought in June where he beat Alex Leapai in the US.

Speaking to Sky Sports UK, Higgins said Parker is relishing the chance to fight Chisora. 

"Chisora looked good, and Joseph's message was 'make the fight, make it happen'," said Higgins.

"He was impressed, but he won't shy away, he won't take a backward step.

"That date is absolutely plausible, provided that everyone moves quick. I'm sure that Joseph Parker would absolutely be happy with that scenario.

"We're ready and willing, and we just need to get this formalised quick."

Chisora (31-9, 22 KOs) has won four out of his last five fights, while Parker (26-2, 20 KOs) has lost two of his last four bouts.

The two fights Parker lost were in the UK against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte and despite producing credible performances, and Higgins is wary of the threat posed by Chisora.

"If Derek shows up and lands a big bomb, he could win the fight, but if Joseph fights the way we know he can at his best, he'll win the fight.

"It's one of those fights that could go either way among two household names now. It will be exciting and explosive."

Chisora's manager in David Haye revealed earlier in the week that he'd already spoken to Parker about the fight last month.

Speaking to  Express Sport, Haye said a potential fight against Parker was the motivation Chisora needed to beat Szpilka

"We've had this Joseph Parker fight at the end of the year as a real big carrot for us to really get him into tremendous condition, and he's really taking that on board.

"I spoke to Joseph Parker personally, when I was in Las Vegas for the [Tyson] Fury fight against Tom Schwarz, and he was really up for the fight. He likes Dereck Chisora, he's a fan of Dereck Chisora, and he believes that Chisora's style will gel nicely with his."

Newshub. 

Boxing: Joseph Parker open to October bout with Dereck Chisora