Joseph Parker Signs 3-Fight Deal with Matchroom Boxing

[Ruthless-RKO]

Matchroom Boxing’s planned big reveal of its latest signing quickly became boxing’s worst kept secret—but hasn’t at all contained the enthusiasm of all parties involved.

“If Joseph Parker performs the way we all know he can over these next three fights then he will have a strong case for another shot at Anthony Joshua,” insists Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s longtime promoter whom will now handle the reins for Parker for at least his next three fights, as per the terms of their new deal. “There’s certainly unfinished business there, so this is a really exciting signing for Matchroom.”

The first fight under the deal will come June 29 on DAZN, with Parker to face former two-time heavyweight title challenger Eric Molina. Their bout will land in Providence, R.I. in supporting capacity to local hero and reigning unbeaten middleweight titlist Demetrius Andrade in a title defense versus Maciej Sulecki.

It will come six months after his last fight, a 3rd round knockout of Alexander Flores last December in Christchurch, New Zealand. The six months between fights matches a career-long inactive stretch for Parker, though a necessary one in figuring out his next move.

“My six-year promotional contract with Duco Events ended on March 26,” noted Parker (25-2, 19KOs), whom outpointed Andy Ruiz—Joshua’s title challenger this weekend—for a vacant heavyweight belt in Dec. 2016, which he defended twice. “It was a wonderfully successful partnership – so much so that David Higgins will always be part of my team, advocating in my best interests in a management capacity.

“Since my contract with Duco ended I have been a free agent, with my team and I spending several months assessing how to best achieve my goal of not only becoming a world champion again, but unifying all of the belts to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”

Instead, he believes conducting new business with an old friend will get him to where he needs to be at a much quicker pace.

“Ultimately we decided that the best option was to partner with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” explained Parker, who fought on Matchroom shows in back-to-back decision defeats to Joshua and top heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte. “We believe the three-fight deal that we are announcing today will be the start of a long and successful partnership.”

[oogiebe]

Will fight Eric Molina on the Andrade-Sulecki undercard.

I'll give him a pass on Molina, but I hope he gets back into the mix next time around.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I'll give him a pass on Molina, but I hope he gets back into the mix next time around.

I’m guessing he will.

[fizzjambo]

Molina is fine for Parker. He’s had a couple of setbacks now and although neither is overly damaging I think most would agree he’s a fair bit away from being any real treat to any of the top three.

If he wants to win a proper world title again he’ll likely have to improve a fair bit. Let him rebuild over the next 18 months. Molina and then someone like Jennings / Chisora / Ruiz would be decent enough

[Ruthless-RKO]

If he wants to win a proper world title again he’ll likely have to improve a fair bit. Let him rebuild over the next 18 months. Molina and then someone like Jennings / Chisora / Ruiz would be decent enough

I have a feeling Chisora will be next.

[ThereByTheGrace]

Dont rate parker when comparing to the top 3. Isnt a big puncher. Isnt the best boxer. Hes just there

[jamamb]

he has really good hand speed but is kind of bland in all other ways

[Ruthless-RKO]

[JimStone]

First thought was "so what?" Don't find him an interesting fighter to watch at all for some reason.

[jamamb]

First thought was "so what?" Don't find him an interesting fighter to watch at all for some reason.

kinda the same for me

[samwbr]

What's Higgins had to say about this?

[Glass Joe]

What's Higgins had to say about this?

[samwbr]

Cheers for that

[Ruthless-RKO]

Cheers for that

Management role.

Surprised it’s just a 3-fight deal for starters.

[overhand_right]

As others said. Who cares?

[Coco]

I bet Higgins is good pals with Kalle!

[bigjack]

I have a feeling Chisora will be next.

Please not Chisora,i'm done watching him now

[jamamb]

Please not Chisora,i'm done watching him now

this, recycled too many times

and please not takam either

takam/chisora/parker all have gotten a bit boring for me

[samwbr]

Povetkin would be good

[jamamb]

ya agree

[Ruthless-RKO]

As others said. Who cares?

Only 1 other person has said.

It’s a fückin boxing forum. This is boxing news.

[oogiebe]

Please not Chisora,i'm done watching him now

I'd bet Chisora would be planned and then maybe Whyte.

[jamamb]

i hope not, way too much recyling for me

lets get some new f@cking fights with guys who havent been in with everyone already. parker vs pov sounded good

or how about parker vs hunter or something

[oogiebe]

i hope not, way too much recyling for me

lets get some new f@cking fights. parker vs pov sounded good

He'll need to get a couple of wins first. He's eyeing a return to a title shot, so not sure if Pov would be in the plans. Good fight that!

[KiwiRider]

I bet Higgins is good pals with Kalle!

I'm glad Higgie is still in the mix.
He's twice as entertaining as Parker.