Saturday 24 September 2016 00:19, UK
Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua is 'unlikely' to face Hughie Fury as the IBF champion is instead set to defend his title against Joseph Parker.
Joshua will make the second defence of his IBF title on November 26, and his promoter Hearn has been considering a list of possible foes for the unbeaten 26-year-old ahead of an announcement at the end of next week.
Trainer Peter Fury suggested earlier this week that his son had been offered a shot at the IBF belt, but Hearn has been unable to agree terms and mandatory challenger Parker is now the front-runner to face Joshua, if he successfully comes through his fight with Alexander Dimitrenko on October 1.
Hearn told Sky Sports: "Is Hughie Fury the right fight? It's a domestic fight. Obviously it's got the back story - or the future story with Tyson Fury.
"We bounced some numbers around and we're light years away from expectancy levels from both sides. I think that's unlikely.
"If they want to take the fight, they are looking to cash in beyond their value, and I understand that. I can't see that one happening on November 26.
"Joseph Parker is there and the plan was to build the Parker fight over here. I think that's a huge fight, but as time goes on, Joseph Parker looks like he will be the man.
"Obviously he's fighting Dimitrenko next Saturday. All being well, I think Joseph Parker will be the guy for November 26.
"We've got a few things to tie up, but their team are relatively easy to work with. We don't have a deal in place, but we have the basis of a deal in place that I think can work for everybody.".
Hearn initially wanted the New Zealand fighter to face David Price on the same bill as Joshua, but Parker's promoter Dean Lonergan confirmed earlier this week that the 24-year-old would be ready to challenge for the title straight away.
"He's fighting a giant on October 1 and he will go straight back into camp again," Lonergan told Sky Sports. "We'll be prepared for David Price or Anthony Joshua. It doesn't matter which one we take."
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