Wednesday 18 January 2017 07:09, UK
Joseph Parker's promoters remain open to a unification clash with Deontay Wilder as talks continue about the WBO heavyweight champion's first title defence.
The New Zealander is expected to fight in the spring and Duco Events, who represent the 25-year-old, have been holding negotiations over a mandatory WBO title defence against Britain's Hughie Fury.
But David Higgins, director of Duco Events, confirmed that a deal is yet to be agreed and is still considering a unification bout with WBC champion Wilder.
"We've read the WBO rules and if they sanction unification it can override a mandatory," Higgins told Sky Sports. "There are some options to look at and we're looking at all of them.
"That's a fight that will happen. It's a matter of when, not if. My initial discussion was with Al Haymon [Deontay Wilder's adviser] and Al and I discussed how the lack of unification is hurting the heavyweight division over the years. We shared an identical view about that situation and agreed that unification is good.
"I think we would look at both options and see what Wilder would be prepared to put on the table to go to Vegas or Birmingham [Alabama] and conversely what we could put on the table for Wilder to come here. Then we would talk and work it out."
Higgins refused to rule out David Price and Jarrell Miller, who have also been named on a shortlist for Parker, but expects to hold further talks with the WBO about the Fury fight, which he says could go to purse bids.
"I think the purse bid looks the most likely scenario if the mandatory is indeed the case," said Higgins. "That's a ruling for the WBO, so I will be engaging with the WBO in the coming days and weeks to seek clarification on that process."
Parker was previously the mandatory challenger for IBF title holder Anthony Joshua before switching his sights to the WBO belt, and might be ringside when his fellow champion faces Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
"I think if Joseph fights prior to that, it's almost certain he will attend," said Higgins. "But if that fight falls within a training camp, then it would be trickier to attend.
"But at this stage it looks very possible that he could attend."
Hughie Fury's trainer Peter Fury was unavailable for comment.