Monday 30 January 2017 15:39, UK
Joseph Parker would be the 'biggest test' for Anthony Joshua if a unification clash happens in the near future, says the WBO champion's trainer Kevin Barry.
The New Zealander was last week named on a list of potential opponents by IBF title holder Joshua, who is preparing to battle Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium with the WBA 'super' belt also at stake on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Trainer Barry is waiting to find out details of his fighter's first WBO title defence against Hughie Fury, which will go to purse bids on February 1, but hopes Parker and Joshua can stay on course for a fight.
"We would love that," Barry told Sky Sports. "If you go back to March of 2016, everyone was talking Parker and Joshua fighting in November of that year.
"Hey a lot has happened since then. I believe Joshua and Parker is the fight that is destined on a collision course. It will happen at some stage and it's a fight that a lot of people in the boxing world and the sporting world have a lot of interest in.
"Of course, Anthony has got to get past Klitschko in his upcoming fight first."
The unbeaten Parker has 18 knockouts in 22 victories and Barry is confident the 25-year-old would pose major problems for Joshua, who has stopped all 18 of his opponents.
Parker hits very fast and very hard, and will definitely be the biggest test that Anthony's ever had.
"I believe and I've always believed that Joe has the type of style and movement, and hand speed that would trouble Anthony Joshua," he said.
"Parker hits very fast and very hard, and will definitely be the biggest test that Anthony's ever had.
"We would love to come to the UK for that fight. Boxing is thriving in the UK at the moment. You've got some great fighters there with Tyson Fury and David Haye and Hughie Fury, so we want to be part of that.
"We want to get amongst it and hopefully some time this year you'll see Joseph Parker in the UK."
