WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker believes he doesn't get the respect he deserves from fellow boxers.
Joseph Parker Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Parker is in negotiations with IBF and WBA title holder, Britain's Anthony Joshua, for a unification bout in 2018 but those talks have stalled over the prize purse split.
The New Zealand heavyweight took to social media last night to air his grievances with Joshua's team.
"I'm very happy [that negotiations are progressing] and that is one of the reasons that I am being a bit loud on Twitter a little bit more if because if we weren't talking on Twitter then they wouldn't be negotiating with us," Parker told ESPN. "Negotiations were at a standstill, but after a few tweets we are back at it again. It is exciting to be negotiating, exciting to see if we can make it happen."
While the negotiations are not there yet, Parker said he's optimistic an agreement will be reached between both parties.
"I'm hopeful it can happen in 2018. I have enjoyed what I have done in my career so far, but as a champion, I want to see who the real champion is, who the top [fighter is] and I think someone should unify the belts. It is one of the things we should make happen. I'm pretty keen to make it happen in 2018. That's my goal.
"When we looked at it, voluntary [defence] was 20 percent, mandatory is 30 percent so it is only fair that when you unify it's 40 percent. That is what I think is fair. I'm not saying that is what is going to happen. I think we will negotiate and see what everyone is happy with."
Last week Parker's promoter David Higgins said he was in talks for several possible bouts in 2018 in China, Russia, America and Australia but that his main priority was a unification bout with Joshua.
-RNZ
