Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz Jr. confirmed 10th Dec @ Auckland NZ

Actually AJ was legally bound to the Parker match. Since Parker relinquished his claim on the fight , Joshua was free to fight Klitschko.

Dean Lonagrin said Ruiz was the best option for Parker. Make of that what you will

 

So, basically, what you are complaining about is Parker not forcing the AJ match this year and agreeing to take an interim. Apparently, when one is the mandatory challenger, agreeing to an interim fight constitutes ducking in your books.

Because that's all you can complain about, Joshua went after Klitschko before Parker went after Ruiz. And that's fact.

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TIMELINE OF FACTS for all interested:

1. Matchroom and Duco speak. Both promoters agree that it would be ideal to take one interim fight before the mandatory. If not, Parker was the backup option for Joshua's fight this year (at that time scheduled for Nov. 26).

2. Due to difficulty in getting AJ an opponent, at some points it looked like AJ would fight Pulev and Parker would fight Price, then it looked like Parker would be on this year against AJ straightaway.

3. Fury pulls out of the match with Klitschko, freeing up the WBA and WBO belts.

4. Hearn says that the "Klitschko fight is their preference." (late September). Date pushed back to Dec. 10 to give time to negotiate, negotiations started by 24 September at the latest, nearly done by 29 September.

5. Duco spots the opportunity to fight for the WBO instead and begins to explore that route 28 September.

(Note that the news about AJ v Klitschko negotiations broke before Parker's management opted for the WBO route. Also note Parker's unsatisfactory position throughout August/September as he did not know if he was fighting AJ, Price, or someone else.)

6. Klitschko fight falls through due to WBA delay and Klitschko injury 25 October. Parker - Ruiz confirmed 20 October. Lonergan says it is Parker's best option.

7. Joshua left without a good opponent and selects Molina rather than delay his Dec. 10 fight.

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Summary:

Allegations of Parker or Joshua ducking each other are unfounded. Some quotes to prove the point:

"From our side, if Wladimir Klitschko against Anthony Joshua can be made for the WBA and the IBF belts, for November 26, we are taking that fight, no question," Hearn told Sky Sports News HQ. 24 Sept 2016

Hearn's ideal plans had been to have Parker fight on the undercard as a way of introducing the unbeaten Kiwi to the UK market with a proposed fight against Britain's David Price.

When asked if that was his hope, Hearn said: "I do, but when no one else will fight him ... AJ ...

"Pulev was offered ridiculous money and Parker seems to be the one that says, ' Yeah, I'll do it, I'm ready to go now'.

"He's got big balls, Joseph Parker, and he's very dangerous. He's very fast, he can punch, he's undefeated. It's a tough fight for AJ ... he's ready to go now."

Parker and his handlers have been preparing for this eventuality and have made it clear they won't shy away from the mandatory challenge if it is called unexpectedly early.

Duco Events boss Dean Lonergan said they were ready for a world title shot in November if Parker's mandatory challenge was enforced by Hearn.

He confirmed they had been in discussions with Hearn about the November 26 promotion but described those as "fluid".

"We have been looking at Dimitrenko, then moving into Price and on to Joshua in March. But, if Joshua wants to take us early, we are up for it. We have said that all along and that hasn't changed."

 

Just heard that some Auckland funding has fallen over. This fight may yet be in Vegas in Jan.

 

Since JP is based in Vegas, why not fight there?

This is the opportunity

 

The UK is where the HW division is.
I guess whichever way it goes it is a safer fight than Joshua

 

Only 2 weeks ago the head of Auckland Council's events and economic development Brett O'Riley indicated they would be willing to commit "hundreds of thousands of dollars" to help make the fight happen. Then boom, a couple of days ago O'Riley said they will not be providing financial support.

The fly in the ointment appears to be the newly elected Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff. He isn't saying a word at the moment and indications are that will continue.

Meanwhile, Dean Lonergan and Duco have apparently gone quiet too.

Two possible outcomes I'd suggest :

1/ It has all turned to crap as far as government support goes and Duco are on their own.

2/ The government are looking for maximum mileage out of providing support and want it trumpeted in the grandest possible fashion at the most opportune time.

Only time will tell.

 

Fight should be held in Mexico, at the Titty Twister bar. Ruiz Jr has some rich celebrity friends to help host the fight there.

 

Hmmmmm.

 

x2

 

Interesting fight, awkward timing for selfish reasons, but hopefully with it being the weekend should be able to watch =)
Or will it be about 10am GMT Friday, haha. If so, balls.

Also, voted Parker decision.

 

Parker is 6ft 4.

I've never thought of 6ft 4 as small. But the likes of Dimitrenko, Fury and Wlad are certainly significantly taller.

 

Guess people are used to Klitschko, Valuev and Fury types these days... 6'4 is by no means small for a heavy, agreed.

 

It is funny when people say Ortiz is a monster and Joe is small when they are both around 6ft4 235-240, I know Ortiz has massive reach but on actual pure size they are the same dimensions.