Frank Warren provides Joseph Parker fight update
WBO Interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) will wait to see the outcome of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois on July 19, Frank Warren has revealed.
The Hall of Fame promoter announced that New Zealand’s former world champion Parker will not fight again until September, as he wants to wait to see how Usyk-Dubois rematch plays out.
“I spoke with Joseph and his team and he will fight again in September,” 73-year-old Warren told talkSPORT.
“We will then wait and see the outcome of the rematch between Usyk and Dubois. The WBO have said that the winner of that fight will have to do their mandatory. He is the interim champion so he is in a good position, as he can fight for the four belts. Or if the winner vacates, then he will be elevated and become a full world champion.”
Two-weight undisputed champion Usyk has recently hinted that he’s nearing the end of his boxing career, with only two more bouts left before hanging up his gloves. Following his return encounter with Dubois, the Ukrainian will look to take on either Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua for his farewell match, casting a shadow over Parker’s championship hopes.
In a conversation with Mail Sport, the seasoned 38-year-old Ukrainian disclosed his potential final opponent choices, “Right now my focus is on Daniel Dubois and that is what I am working towards. But, for my last fight, I have two options – Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.”
However, his choice between the British duo was clear, “Tyson Fury,” he named.
Commenting on his upcoming clash with IBF titlist Dubois, Usyk stated, “I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship. Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt – now I want it back.”
Londoner Dubois confidently responded, “This is the fight I wanted and demanded, and now I get my chance for revenge against Oleksandr Usyk.”
He added, “I should have won the first fight and was denied by the judgement of the referee, so I will make no mistake this time around in front of my people at the national stadium in my home city.
“I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now and Usyk will find this out for himself on July 19. I would like to thank my promoter Frank for making this happen for me and I intend to repay him by becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
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