Share

Parker to defend WBO title against Hughie Fury

Wellington - New Zealand's Joseph Parker will defend his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) heavyweight title against Britain's Hughie Fury in Auckland on May 6, his promoters said on Wednesday.

It will be Parker's first defence of the belt he won in December after it was vacated by Tyson Fury, Hughie's cousin.

"Joseph loves fighting at home in front of his Kiwi fans so we really wanted to give him that opportunity against a truly dangerous, gifted young opponent in Hughie Fury," Parker's Duco Events promoter David Higgins said.

Both young fighters are undefeated, with 25-year-old Parker boasting a 22-0 record, 18 by knockout, and Fury, 22, at 20-0, with 10 knockouts.

Most interest in the fight will be on who the winner meets next, with potential unification bouts looming involving Britain's IBF champion Anthony Joshua or American WBC title holder Deontay Wilder.

Higgins confirmed Duco had already been in discussions with representatives for Wilder and Joshua - who fights ex-champ Wladimir Klitschko in London next month - although he insisted Parker's main focus was Hughie Fury.

Further complicating the heavyweight scene, Tyson Fury this week hinted he would return against an unknown opponent on May 13.

Duco said Tyson - who surrendered his belts in October after admitting taking cocaine to combat depression - was expected to join his cousin's entourage in Auckland.

In a promotional video released by Duco to coincide with the Parker fight announcement, Hughie Fury spoke of creating a heavyweight dynasty with his cousin.

"I'll win this title, then Tyson can come back and we can both rule the heavyweight division together," he said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE