New Zealand’s heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is close to securing a world title fight in New Zealand with a date agreed for December 10 against Mexican, Andy Ruiz.
The fight would be for the WBO belt being stripped from struggling champion Tyson Fury.
That seems inevitable as Fury battles with alleged drug and mental health issues.
He has stepped away from the ring, pulling out of a scheduled rematch with former champion Wladimir Klitschko for the second time.
Parker is ranked No 1 and Ruiz No 3 with the WBO. Klitschko is No 2 but is being courted by Anthony Joshua to fight for the IBF title and possibly the WBA belt in Manchester on November 26.
Parker has the mandatory right to fight Joshua as the IBF No 1 but he and his promoters like the alternative option of a WBO title fight against Ruiz, particularly on Kiwi shores.
Taking the fight to New Zealand would require major sponsorship and secondary money.
They believe the historic nature of the fight will help that cause.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
