Heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker could have a world title fight in New Zealand as early as this summer.
Joseph Parker could be lining up for a world title shot in New Zealand in December Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Parker is the number one contender in both the IBF and WBO heavyweight rankings.
The 24-year-old is lined up to take on the IBF title holder - Anthony Joshua - later this year, but the holder of the WBO belt, Tyson Fury, is likely to be stripped of his title, opening the door for Parker.
Fury has withdrawn from his fight against Ukranian Wladimir Klitschko for the second time due to health issues but the WBO have given him just 10 days to explain why.
It's believed Fury is suffering from depression.
If Fury can't provide the appropriate evidence, he'll be stripped of both his WBO and WBA titles.
That will then open the door for Parker to face undefeated Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Junior, a 27-year-old nicknamed "The Destroyer".
Andy 'the Destroyer' Ruiz Photo: Twitter
Ruiz is ranked third in the WBO and has won 19 of his 29 fights by knockout.
DUCO Events promoter Dean Lonergan, who manage Parker, said he could face Ruiz as early as December at Eden Park.
"The conversation we have had is 'we'd like to fight you guys for the world title.' They have comeback and said 'ys we are keen to do it,'" said Lonergan.
"Now there's a lot of water to go under the bridge. Number one Fury has to be stripped (of the WBA and WBA titles) but the word is it's going to happen.
"Number two Vladimir Klitschko has to turn around the fight Anthony Joshua - they're deep in negotiations right now. So what is left - the WBO - Joseph Parker versus the next highest ranked guy (Ruiz) and it turns out that Top Rank the most powerful promotional company in boxing wants this to happen so they are going to have a lot of sway with the WBO," said Lonergan.
-RNZ
