There have been a few stories floating around regarding who IBF heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua might fight in his upcoming defence on November 26. With Hughie Fury’s October 29 fight with Andy Ruiz Jr now off, Fury was a possible option for Joshua’s upcoming defence – and Peter Fury has said on twitter that his son would definitely take the fight, and that he himself would accept it if the money was right.
But Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn, in speaking with Sky Sports said that while talks did get underway with the Fury camp, the numbers just were not there – “we’re light years away from expectancy levels from both sides,” he said. Hearn says that the most likely man to land the shot at A.J is IBF mandatory Joseph Parker.
“Is Hughie Fury the right fight? It’s a domestic fight. Obviously its got the back story – or the future story with Tyson Fury,” Hearn said. “We bounced some numbers around and we’re light years away. I think that’s unlikely. If they want to take the fight, they want to cash in beyond their value, and I understand that. Joseph Parker is there. I think that’s a huge fight. Obviously he’s fighting [Alexander] Dimtrenko next Saturday. All being well, I think Joseph Parker will be the guy for November 26.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1twHcNXqT4
Hearn added how there are “a few things to tie up,” and said that though there is not yet a deal in place, “we have the basis of a deal in place that I think can work for everybody.”
Parker is, on paper, Joshua’s toughest test yet. Young, unbeaten, hungry and, as he proved with his points win over the experienced Carlos Takam, genuine world class. Assuming the New Zealander does come through against Dimitrenko on October 1, we could have an excellent fight, between two undefeated heavyweights, on November 26.
As for Hughie Fury, maybe he will get his chance against Joshua – or Parker – in the future.
