Joseph Parker's camp has confirmed that two belts will be on the line when he takes on Englishman Dillian Whyte in London next week, but more importantly the winner is likely to get a shot at a world title.
Joseph Parker, right, and Dillian Whyte ahead of their heavyweight clash in London. Photo: Photosport
The pair will contend for the vacant WBO International strap as well as the WBC Silver title Whyte successfully defended when crushing Lucas Browne in March.
Parker's promoter David Higgins said the winner of the Parker-Whyte bout will send a powerful message that they are the rightful challenger for a shot at Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.
"We've always said this fight is a 'People's Eliminator' and this announcement simply adds more credence to that."
It had been reported the WBO would award its vacant No 2 belt to the winner of a bout between American Bryant Jennings and Russian Alexander Dimitrenko, scheduled for Atlantic City in August.
However, the WBO confirmed to Duco Events and Matchroom Boxing, promoters of Parker and Whyte respectively, the belt will instead be on the line in London.
"We received confirmation in writing of that earlier this week," Higgins said.
"It's an eminently sensible decision. Joseph Parker is the immediate former WBO champion and the first man to take Joshua the full 12 rounds. He wasn't all that far off beating him, and would be a good chance of doing so in a rematch."
Joshua, the holder of the WBO, IBF and WBA belts, and Wilder, who holds the WBC belt, have yet to confirm a unification bout.
Meanwhile, Parker and trainer Kevin Barry have arrived in London to continue their preparations for what shapes as a thrilling contest on July 29 (NZ time).
