Parker Deserves A Joshua Rematch – Says David Higgins
David Higgins, the ex-promoter for Joseph Parker, feels the heavyweight deserves a rematch with Anthony Joshua.
Parker caused a huge upset to beat Deontay Wilder, who was on course to face Anthony Joshua. They had signed a two-fight deal, which would have gone ahead if the Bronze Bomber had won. The American failed to do so, as the Joshua fight is now off the table.
The Brit is considering taking on Filip Hrgovic in a likely IBF title fight. But Parker is an alternative. They once fought when Joshua won via a unanimous decision to claim the WBO belt. Since Joshua no longer fights Wilder, Higgins felt Parker was the right alternative.
Parker Vs. Joshua
“Joseph has earned that fight [with Joshua] in my opinion and the Saudis would see merit in Parker against Anthony Joshua. It might not be next, there might be a bit more work to do but I think that’s the fight fans want to see. It’s a merit-based fight.
“In terms of opponents, Joseph will fight anyone and if you look at all the names on his resume from Derek Chisora twice, Joe Joyce, Joshua, Wilder, Dillian Whyte, the list goes on and he’s still only 31-years-old. We’ll fight Anthony Joshua in a heartbeat. Everyone knows Joseph will fight him next but I am not sure that’s an option. We’ll obviously look at any option and see what comes forward,” Higgins said
Parker himself backed up those comments. Following his win over Wilder, he expressed his desire to run things back with Joshua. The fight would add some intrigue since Parker is Tyson Fury’s sparring partner. Parker clarified that he had discussed tactics with Fury when preparing to face the Bronze Bomber.
Parker Wants Joshua
A fight with Joshua could result in a similar tactic since Fury made two offers to face Joshua. Those 60-40 proposals failed to get the fight over the line. Andy Ruiz Jr. is another alternative if the Joshua fight does not happen. The Mexican is open to the fight, having lost to Parker when they fought for the vacant WBO belt. That has left Parker with numerous choices.
“I spoke to Joshua, I’d love to fight him. He won his fight and I won mine. We spoiled the plan for Joshua-Wilder, so hopefully we can make that happen again.I have a lot of respect for Joshua, he’s shown a lot of respect for me. I think if we go into another fight, it would be different, a lot different. I spoke to Andy Ruiz, it would be nice to have a rematch with him. Andy Ruiz is a hell of a fighter, he looks like he’s in great shape,” Parker stated
“I was super happy with Joseph Parker. He beat me the first time. I know it wasn’t a real beat, but he beat me in his hometown. [And] I wouldn’t mind running it back. I just wanted to see if AJ wanted to run it back and get the trilogy, but maybe not,” Ruiz said
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