06-02-2019, 07:39 PM
Joseph Parker is right in the heavyweight division mix now dominated by Andy Ruiz
DUNCAN JOHNSTONE
Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker could feature on the undercard of a rematch between new unified world champion Andy Ruiz and beaten Brit Anthony Joshua.
Parker finds himself in a heavyweight division where the balance of power has suddenly shifted.
Ruiz's stunning seventh round TKO of British star Joshua in New York on Sunday (NZT) sees all of the major belts now in the Americas.
California-based Mexican Ruiz now holds the WBO, WBA, and IBF titles with Deontay Wilder owning the WBA version.
Both fighters are managed by American Al Haymon.
Anthony Joshua knocks down Andy Ruiz Jr in the third round of their heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden.
What happens from here and how does Parker, just-signed with Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, fit in?
* Parker who has landed a $6m three-fight deal to end his longest period of inactivity isn't instantly affected though his relevance to the division is emphasised by the Ruiz victory. Parker, remember, beat Ruiz in late 2016 to win the vacant WBO title. Parker fights American Eric Molina in the US at the end of the month. Parker simply needs to keep winning now in a quick-fire rebuild at a time when opportunities could unfold at any time as his old foe Ruiz discovered.
* Ruiz, brought in on late notice, took the fight with Joshua with a rematch clause inserted should he win. Hearn has already insisted he will push the rematch button, wanting the sequel in the UK in November. It will be compelling viewing and will need an undercard to match the occasion just as Sunday's title-filled card at Madison Square Garden provided. If Parker keeps winning, don't be surprised to see him on that undercard. His deal with Hearn takes in fights in Britain and the US. Parker wants to be busy, saying he'd like his three fights even before the end of the year, meaning a UK date in November could fit his schedule if he can prove his worth.
Joseph Parker is very much a contender after the boilover in New York.
* Joshua now goes home looking for a plan B after suffering his first loss in 22 fights with a lack-lustre effort where, ultimately, he was gunned down by the rapid-fire hand speed of Ruiz. The rematch will be the true test of Joshua who will be aware that Ruiz will only come fitter and with even more confidence second time around.
* A Ruiz win in the sequel would really hand it all to Haymon who has Wilder's talent and title giving him a monopoly.
* Wilder, so long under pressure to fight Joshua to find a one true champion, has just announced he will fight Cuban Luis Ortiz. He has also said he intends to have a rematch with Britain's Tyson Fury after their thrilling draw in Los Angeles last November.
DUNCAN JOHNSTONE
Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker could feature on the undercard of a rematch between new unified world champion Andy Ruiz and beaten Brit Anthony Joshua.
Parker finds himself in a heavyweight division where the balance of power has suddenly shifted.
Ruiz's stunning seventh round TKO of British star Joshua in New York on Sunday (NZT) sees all of the major belts now in the Americas.
California-based Mexican Ruiz now holds the WBO, WBA, and IBF titles with Deontay Wilder owning the WBA version.
Both fighters are managed by American Al Haymon.
Anthony Joshua knocks down Andy Ruiz Jr in the third round of their heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden.
What happens from here and how does Parker, just-signed with Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, fit in?
* Parker who has landed a $6m three-fight deal to end his longest period of inactivity isn't instantly affected though his relevance to the division is emphasised by the Ruiz victory. Parker, remember, beat Ruiz in late 2016 to win the vacant WBO title. Parker fights American Eric Molina in the US at the end of the month. Parker simply needs to keep winning now in a quick-fire rebuild at a time when opportunities could unfold at any time as his old foe Ruiz discovered.
* Ruiz, brought in on late notice, took the fight with Joshua with a rematch clause inserted should he win. Hearn has already insisted he will push the rematch button, wanting the sequel in the UK in November. It will be compelling viewing and will need an undercard to match the occasion just as Sunday's title-filled card at Madison Square Garden provided. If Parker keeps winning, don't be surprised to see him on that undercard. His deal with Hearn takes in fights in Britain and the US. Parker wants to be busy, saying he'd like his three fights even before the end of the year, meaning a UK date in November could fit his schedule if he can prove his worth.
Joseph Parker is very much a contender after the boilover in New York.
* Joshua now goes home looking for a plan B after suffering his first loss in 22 fights with a lack-lustre effort where, ultimately, he was gunned down by the rapid-fire hand speed of Ruiz. The rematch will be the true test of Joshua who will be aware that Ruiz will only come fitter and with even more confidence second time around.
* A Ruiz win in the sequel would really hand it all to Haymon who has Wilder's talent and title giving him a monopoly.
* Wilder, so long under pressure to fight Joshua to find a one true champion, has just announced he will fight Cuban Luis Ortiz. He has also said he intends to have a rematch with Britain's Tyson Fury after their thrilling draw in Los Angeles last November.
