Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight unification clash with New Zealand’s Joseph Parker is expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours, concluding weeks of fractious negotiations.
Joshua will put his WBA (Super) and IBF titles on the line to take on Parker, who has been the WBO champion since beating Andy Ruiz via a majority decision in December 2016.
Reports suggest the fight will take place on March 31 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, which staged Joshua’s most recent victory against the French challenger Carlos Takam.
The fighters’ respective promotions, Matchroom Boxing and Duco Events, have been locked in negotiations since the end of last year, with the purse split the largest obstacle that needed to be hurdled.
However progress was made shortly before the new year, with Parker’s co-promoter David Higgins revealing that his boxer had accepted between 30 to 35 per cent of the purse.
The two men are now expected to come face to face next week, with Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn promising fireworks after Parker and Higgins aimed a string of critical comments at Joshua.
“I was bantering with David Higgins yesterday. They truly believe they knock Anthony Joshua out. It’s not even in question for them,” he told Sky Sports.
“We feel otherwise. You’re going to see a lot of fireworks this press conference. David Higgins has got a lot to say for himself, he’s a funny character, and Anthony Joshua doesn’t like what Joseph Parker has been saying.
“This could be the first time we’ve seen the switch of Anthony Joshua, and I’m excited to see it.”
Joshua has a number of options in 2018, with a unification fight with WBC champion, Deontay Wilder and a British showdown with the returning Tyson Fury also in his sights.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
