Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker holds a number 3 ranking with the World Boxing Council, but he makes it clear that he will never fight close friend Tyson Fury, who holds the WBC world title.
A week back, Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum, who co-promotes Fury, mentioned Parker as a potential opponent – among several being considered – for a targeted return date in March – if a deal with mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte is not reached.
Parker, 30-years-old, is hungry to win another world, but insists he will find another path outside of facing Fury.
“We have a great relationship. He treats me like a younger brother, his whole family looks after me. I’ve based myself here in Morecambe now. I’ve stayed in his house, I’m using his gym. I think I’ll never fight him. I’ll let him do his thing and fight everyone else,” Parker told Talk Sport.
“I’ll try to go another path and do my best to win the other belts if I can.”
Last month, Parker set the record straight with a dominant twelve round unanimous decision win over Derek Chisora. He dropped Chisora three times in the contest.
Parker was offered the opportunity to face Filip Hrgovic in an IBF final eliminator. He turned down that scenario – with his manager citing monetary concerns for such a fight.
To stay ready and in shape, Parker is already back to work in training camp with Fury once again preparing by his side. Former WBO middleweight champion Andy Lee is the head trainer of Parker and also part of Fury’s training team.
“I’m back into training, back into training camp with Tyson. We’ve got Sonny Bill Williams here doing some training for his fight, David Nyika back on board. It’s great to be back training,” Parker said.