Joseph Parker’s promoter David Higgins says the New Zealander may discover a rematch in opposition to Joe Joyce if it emerges as a greater possibility than a second encounter with Zhilei Zhang.
Parker is presently having fun with the very best type of his profession having convincingly overwhelmed Deontay Wilder on the finish of 2023 earlier than not too long ago overcoming two knockdowns to defeat Zhilei Zhang.
Zhang had notably arrived using the momentum of back-to-back stoppage victories over Joyce, who represents certainly one of few blemishes on Parker’s profession after recording an Eleventh-round knockout when the heavyweight rivals met in September 2022.
Parker is contracted to face Zhang in a rematch, although may but look elsewhere.
“The contract is for the Zhang rematch but these things do vary if everyone agrees,” Parker’s promoter Higgins instructed Sky Sports activities, when requested a couple of potential rematch in opposition to Joyce.
“If there was a greater possibility then we’d have a look at the higher possibility so long as everyone agrees. These discussions are available.
“Joseph’s directions to me have been he desires to combat the very best on the planet, he desires to combat opponents ranked above him, that is the place his head is at.
“He wants to fight Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, but you’ve got to be patient and take your opportunities so you don’t rule anything out.”
Joyce not too long ago returned to the ring for the primary time since his third-round stoppage defeat in his rematch to Zhang final September, knocking out Kash Ali within the final 30 seconds of the tenth and last spherical.
Parker’s win over Zhang lifted him to 35-3 in his skilled profession, marking a fifth straight success since shedding to Joyce and seeing him take one other step in the direction of the world’s elite heavyweights.
Higgins believes the usual of Parker’s opponents ought to see him earn a world title shot earlier than Anthony Joshua, who’s coming off a devastating second-round knockout win over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
“He’s interim WBO champion which means he’s the automatic mandatory for the WBO title so if he’s prepared to wait and things operate as they should he should be offered a title shot in due course,” Higgins added. “You would like to think immediately.
“No disrespect to Anthony Joshua, he is seemed good in his previous couple of fights, however the opponents have been nowhere close to the extent Joseph has boxed so Joseph ought to actually be forward of Joshua within the pecking order.
“But it doesn’t feel that way such is the way boxing works, even if you beat the best you have to be patient.”
Parker boasts one of the crucial spectacular and busiest resumes amongst lively heavyweights, regardless of having solely turned 32 in January.
Higgins says his fighter is having fun with a “new-found energy” since linking up with coach Andy Lee and nutritionist George Lockhart.
“I think it was an almost complete performance by Joseph Parker,” Higgins stated of his efficiency in opposition to Zhang. “We’ve followed his ups and downs but it was wonderfully gratifying for the Parker team to see him fight to a plan and deliver a plan and up the pressure.
“He obtained knocked down and had he misplaced his nerve at any level Zhang would have completed him off. He continued to execute the plan which may be very encouraging, it confirmed an outdated canine can study new tips.
“He’s not old in calendar years but he’s probably fought the most top-quality opponents of anybody in the game. There’s a lot of experience.”
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