29 Jun 2016

Parker, Joshua fight nearing

3:57 pm on 29 June 2016

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker could face British IBF champion, Anthony Joshua, as early as November.

Joseph Parker after winning his bout with Jason Pettaway.

Joseph Parker. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The IBF have notified Joshua that he must fight Joseph Parker on November 9, 2016 in the mandatory challenge although it can be scheduled for as late as January 9, 2017.

Parker earned his mandatory challenge for the IBF heavyweight title after beating French Cameroon boxer, Carlos Takam, in Auckland last month.

The 26-year-old Joshua successfully defended his heavyweight crown for the first time on the weekend against Dominic Breazeale, he knocked Breazeale out in the seventh round.

Anthony Joshua, 2014.

Anthony Joshua. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Both Parker and Joshua are undefeated in their professional careers.

The 24-year-old Parker has won all of his 19 fights, 16 by way of knockout, while all of Joshua's 17 victories have come by way of knockout.

Parker is currently training for a bout with former Australian Rugby League player Solomon Haumono in Christchurch next month.

-RNZ