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Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is pressing for a showdown with Olympic silver medal winner Joe Joyce.
The two boxers were in serious discussions to fight each other a few months ago, but that contest fell through when Parker signed a promotional agreement with BOXXER and Sky Sports. Joyce is contractually tied to Frank Warren and BT Sport.
Parker believes the fight can still come together – despite the network differences.
“The fight with Joe Joyce is a fight I’d love to make. But do you know what it comes down to? It comes down to egos. I know I’ve signed with BOXXER and Sky and Joyce is with BT and Frank Warren, but why can’t we make it happen?” Parker said.
“There’s many examples of other fighters that are signed with this team and signed with [another] team, they all come together and make it happen. Why can’t we make it happen? It’s a great fight. Why don’t we lock it in and actually fight?”
When the negotiations fell apart, Joyce accused Parker of ducking the fight by signing a new promotional deal during their fight talks.
“Joe Joyce has been talking smack on Twitter? Let’s get one thing straight, I’m not sure if that’s Joe Joyce writing it or not,” Parker said.
“When I compare the interviews and when I compare what’s been written, the statements, I’m questioning who’s writing these statements. I’ll fight absolutely anyone there is. I’m still waiting, I’m waiting for someone to accept the offer.” Now I’m going to be working with Sky and BOXXER, I can’t wait to see what we can do together.
“In terms of fights there’s offers out to other fighters out there, top fighters, fighters like Dillian Whyte, Joe Joyce. We’ve given an offer to Deontay Wilder, but no one is taking the fight.”