Boxing: Eddie Hearn, Joseph Parker discuss career path post COVID-19 pandemic

Eddie Hearn wants to book a big fight for Joseph Parker when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

The British boxing promoter has listed several potential opponents for the Kiwi in a social media chat between the two.

Hearn forms part of Parker's management team alongside David Higgins (manager) and Kevin Barry (promoter).

While Hearn hasn't ruled out a New Zealand-based showdown between Parker and the undefeated City kickboxing heavyweight Junior Fa, he identified a few more lucrative opponents.

Parker had to remind Hearn of Fa's name, with the charismatic Brit forgetting it.

"Yes Junior Fa," Hearn said. "For me, I like that fight for New Zealand and I like the idea for us to come over to New Zealand and launch Matchroom to a new audience."

But at that point, Hearn shifted focus to some of the heavyweights biggest guns. 

"That's an interesting fight for the country, but I want to get [Parker] back to a world title fight and I really love the fight with [Luis] Ortiz, a rematch with Dillian Whyte and even a rematch with Andy Ruiz. 

"I think Ruiz is really interesting for you."

Parker confirmed his interest in that fight but did emphasise his want for something that progresses his career.

The former WBO champion has only fought twice in the last two years, winning both by stoppage against Alex Leapai (2019) and then  Shawndell Winters in January.

Parker told Hearn he feels "blessed" having fought just weeks before the coronavirus overtook large parts of the United States, while Hearn was complimentary of his performance in Dallas. 

"I think it was a blessing to fight at the beginning of the year when you look at what's happening now - it was great to get in the ring," Parker said. 

"Always pleased with a good win in impressive fashion. Once I slowed things down and picked my shots, the knockout came and I was happy with that."

Hearn added: "A Lot of people were underrating Winters, but he came to fight and I thought once you [Parker] got into your groove it was a great performance."

Hearn described Parker as one of the best heavyweights in the world, but also the nicest. He then praised his charge for his recent exploits on social media which have gone viral worldwide.

Parker revealed his family's COVID-19 'bubble' shopper as the man behind the creative ideas for his Instagram gems.

"My friend Kerry Russell is the man who is making the magic happen. He has been shopping for the family during all of this. 

"As soon as he comes up with an idea, we will do something new."

Hearn reiterated his intention to find Parker a marquee fight and also predicted an exciting end to 2020 with the rescheduling of four blockbuster fights.

Anthony Joshua's title defence against Kubrat Pulev, the WBC rematch between Deontay Wilder and champion Tyson Fury, Dereck Chisora's clash with former cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Alex Povetkin vs Dillian Whyte have all been postponed. 

"When we as the world returns to sport, everyone will be looking to capture the attention and space, so if we don't come back and make major fights we ain't doing our jobs. The heavyweight division  is on fire."