Team Parker have confirmed they are now negotiating this with Team Wilder, 2017 is definitely starting out strong for boxing - this is the kind of match making that is good to see. Fingers crossed it happens!
First Parker. Then Joshua.* Then the weak but big Klit, Vlad. Deontay Wilder, Undisputed HeavyWeight Champion of the World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! * It may not happen in that order cause Hearn will probably hide Joshua as long as possible, especially if Joshua beats Vlad.
Parker has Top Rank behind him now, so there's no reason why he shouldn't get a fair decision n the U.S. Besides, this one could well end in a KO, both are powerful punchers.
I know Parker has his detractors on here ... but you've got to respect the way he doesn't dodge challenges. All going to plan, the HW division could be one fight away from an undisputed champion midway through this year.
I think you will find team Parker would like to be negotiating with team Wilder, but can't get a response out of Al Haymon.
Exactly. The same detractors will be bagging people out for dodging other people. Fact of the matter is Parker has gone for hard fights, has won all of them and has done all of the things that he should have done in his career. He's gone for the KO when he should have, has fought a chess-match when that's the more sensible option (Ruiz Jr), and has made the odd mistake and worked to learn and improve from them. This is the right time for a big risk and a big name. A loss at this level against someone like Wilder is not the worst, especially (or as long) as he leaves his mark - as it was. He is still young and it wouldn't be the end of the line having his first loss being in a title unification bout! Fair point, Wilder has made it clear he's down for it but Al Haymon may not be so keen - though if there is any chance of Wilder unifying, this is likely to be seen as his best gamble. Also, there were previously heavy hints that negotiation with Hughie Fury was going forth so this is a sudden direction change, that's gotta indicate some confidence.
It's a fight that both fighters wanted so it' a good thing. Joshua and Wlad is a good thing. I just hope now all divisions put the top fighters together. GGG and Jacobs, excellent. Jack and Degale, another great fight. 2017 might be a break away year for really good fights.
“The key guy is Al Haymon and we are yet to hear from him in terms of making a deal. So to Al Haymon: If you are serious about Wilder and Joseph, please give us a call." - David Higgins from Duco (team Parker).
Favorites aren't based on promoter, it's a lot more than that. This is a great fight and it shouldn't go the distance but you never know (and we're gonna assume NSAC picked ref is unbiased which is a stretch). Wilder would be the home fighter and Al Haymon will try to do his magic with NSAC, you can bet on it. Not letting this fight go the distance is the best thing Parker can do.
But since Deontay is fighting on the 25th of February, can he fight again in April ?? Seems pretty far fetched to me.