Leaving Las Vegas - Joseph Parker planning London move

Joseph Parker and David Haye during a training session in London ahead of his WBO heavyweight boxing title defence against Hughie Fury. Photo / Photosport.

WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is planning on moving his base from Las Vegas to London.

Kiwi Parker, in London preparing for his title defence against Hughie Fury in Manchester a week on Sunday, told Sky Sports UK that a base in England's capital would allow him to exploit the many opportunities in the burgeoning division.

It would be a significant shift for him and trainer Kevin Barry. Parker has lived with Barry and the New Zealand trainer's family in Las Vegas since he turned professional five years ago, but the 25-year-old feels a move and associated new challenges would be beneficial.

"The heavyweight division is booming over here at the moment so I want to be part of it, I want to fight all the heavyweights out there," Parker said. "Heavyweight boxing is exciting again so it's great to be part of it."

Should Parker get past Fury at the Manchester Arena, as expected, then fights against other Englishmen such as David Haye, Tony Bellew, Dillian Whyte, Dereck Chisora, and, most significantly, Anthony Joshua the WBA, IBF and IBO world champion, are all possibilities.

All would occur on English soil (or perhaps in Cardiff, where Joshua will fight Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev on October 28) because of the huge audience potential.

Asked about future fights, Parker said: "I mean, get it done, but like you just said, the reason it's so exciting is there are so many options. There's this one, there's this one, there's that one. Get this done, knock him out and then look forward."

While a move to London would be significant, it probably wouldn't be difficult. Parker has already met former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick, not a television pundit in the UK, and has spoken of the many New Zealanders doing well there. Fitzpatrick, who later posted a picture of him and Parker on social media, said he felt like a "kid in a candy shop".

"I am looking forward to meeting [West Ham footballer] Winston Reid tomorrow," Parker said. "It's always great coming overseas and joining up with New Zealanders. It's great seeing how well they do."

Asked whether he could unifiy the division, which would mean beating Joshua and WBC champion Deontay Wilder, Parker said: "That's my goal and I believe I have the ability to do it. I have a great team that's helping me trying to achieve my goal so I think I can."