Boxing: Parker heading back to the deep south

Joseph Parker during a workout before his last fight against Carlos Takam. Photo / Dean Purcell

Joseph Parker will return to fight in Invercargill in September regardless of the result of his next bout against Solomon Haumono in Christchurch in July.

Promoter Dean Lonergan confirmed today that Kiwi heavyweight Parker will fight an opponent in the deep south either on Saturday, September 24, or Saturday, October 1.

The fight is designed to keep the 24-year-old busy before his IBF mandatory title shot. Englishman Anthony Joshua is the current holder, with the mandatory challenge scheduled to take place between November 19 and January 19. The fight will take place in London should Joshua retain his title, as expected.

"We're working on an opponent now for Joseph in Invercargill," Lonergan said. "We want to sign someone with a similar height and size as Anthony Joshua. Win, lose or draw against Haumono, we need to keep going.

"Joseph probably didn't fight as well as he could have against Carlos Takam [a win which earned the mandatory challenge]. The only way to find out if you're solving problems is to get back in the ring."

Parker and his camp were pleased with the reception he received in Invercargill last August when he knocked out Australian Bowie Tupou and they are looking forward to returning after he fights former league player Haumono in Christchurch on July 21.

Lonergan said he had heard nothing from returning English heavyweight David Haye regarding a fight against Parker. Lonergan is keen to pit Parker against the popular Haye in what would be a big-money fight, but the 35-year-old appears more interested in fighting English cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew.

"I don't think David Haye has any interest in fighting someone as tough and dangerous as Joseph," Lonergan said.