Boxing: Parker Eyes Itauma Fight In December

Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has put himself in the running to face British-Nigerian prospect Moses Itauma in December.

According to promoter Frank Warren, Itauma, who knocked out Dillian Whyte in the first round of their heavyweight encounter in August, will headline a card in Manchester on December 13.

However, Parker needs to get past WBA interim titleholder Fabio Wardley on October 25, with the winner in prime position to challenge undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Speaking to DAZN News and other outlets, Parker expressed his desire to take on Itauma if there was an offer to face one of boxing’s most exciting talents.

“I’ll take a fight with him. Moses is a great talent, he can only fight what’s in front of him, and he takes care of business every time,” Parker said.

“He’s young, he’s powerful, he’s fast. That would be another fight I’d love to take. I’m not in this boxing game to take my time in picking fights. I’ll fight anyone.”

Parker is no stranger to facing some of the heavyweight division’s biggest punchers.

His last three opponents, Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole, are all known for their heavy hands, and Parker has beaten each man with flying colours.

After a spell which has resulted in three fights spread out over two years, Parker will be looking to make up for lost time, and a win over Wardley at London’s O2 Arena could be the springboard for a charge towards major names and the chance to become a two-time heavyweight champion.

Warren has openly admitted that finding an opponent for Itauma has been difficult following his demolition of Whyte.

Filip Hrgovic and Jermaine Franklin were originally named as potential options, but they reportedly priced themselves out of the fight.