Joseph Parker's opponent changed

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Joseph Parker has had a change of opponent for his next bout in August with Japan champion Kyotaro Fujimoto pulling out of the fight.

Fujimoto unexpectedly pulled out of the bout following that Parker's devastating second round knockout of German champion Yakup Saglam in Palmerston North last Saturday.

Parker will now face Australian Bowie Tupou (25-3) for his WBO African title over 12 rounds at Stadium Southland on August 1.

Tupou is almost 6'3" and is expected to weigh-in at an imposing 120kilograms. Adding further interest to the Trans-Tasman showdown will be the 23-year-old Parker is also putting his WBO Oriental and WBA PABA Heavyweight titles.

"Joe has so much more to gain if he can beat Bowie Tupou anyway so Fujimoto running scared has turned out to be a blessing in disguise," says promoter Dean Lonergan.

"There's no doubt a convincing win over a guy ranked 13th in the WBO will fast track us towards our overall goal of being top five by the end of the year".

32 year-old Tupou brings the experience of nine years professional ringcraft to the fight.

"He (Tupou) has boxed 112 rounds in his career", says International matchmaker Stu Duncan.

"When you compare that to Parker who has boxed only 54 rounds, that tells you something.

"This is the most significant fight in Parker's career as there are three titles in all up for grabs with two of them being an official WBO unification challenge.

"There is no doubt the winner of this fight will be considered for a top five position with the WBO which, in turn, will place them firmly into world title contention".