Joseph Parker's former promoter believes Mark Hunt would be the perfect next opponent. Photo / Getty
Joseph Parker's former promoter believes Mark Hunt would be the perfect next opponent. Photo / Getty
Joseph Parker's former promoter has pinpointed a clash against Kiwi UFC heavyweight Mark Hunt as the perfect comeback for the former WBO heavyweight champion.
Parker, who suffered two straight losses earlier this year against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, has already begun plotting his way back to the top ofthe heavyweight division.
Parker's promoter, David Higgins, told the Herald last week that he had "three irons in the fire", including a ready-made option in the United Kingdom, but that it was Parker's preference to fight again in New Zealand.
Mark Hunt has only one fight left on his UFC contract. Photo / Getty
To lure a credible opponent to the country, however, was what Higgins deemed as the biggest challenge, suggesting that the best way back to the top would be either a rematch with Whyte or a bout with fellow Englishman Dereck Chisora in the UK.
But Parker's former promoter, Dean Lonergan, believed a clash against Hunt would generate plenty of interest among Kiwi boxing fans and described the potential match up as a promoter's dream.
"Mark Hunt would be a wonderful fight for Joseph Parker from a promotional point of view," Lonergan told RadioLIVE.
"The only place that would make real money is here in New Zealand, but I'm not sure it would compete with what Joseph has been making on a global stage.
After suffering two consecutive losses, Joseph Parker is on the rebuild. Photo / Getty
"That's the only true local fight that would have any appeal to the New Zealand fans."
Hunt, who was unavailable to comment about Longeran's idea, has one fight remaining on his UFC contract after losing the last three, and is understood to be soon parting ways with his current employer.
Although the 44-year-old has not yet fought a professional boxing fight, Lonergan believed the match up would be a great tune-up fight for Parker.
"The heavyweight division is red hot right now," he said, "He needs to have a total rebuild and get a bit of confidence back, get a win.
"Then I am sure you will find him back towards the top of the division right after that,"
Higgins said he hoped to be able to announce an opponent for Parker soon with Auckland and Christchurch the top picks for potential New Zealand venues.
