Joseph Parker vs Anthony Joshua expected to be confirmed in early 2018 - Eddie Hearn

  • 22/12/2017
Eddie Hearn is confident a Parker vs Joshua deal will be reached over the Christmas period.
Eddie Hearn is confident a Parker vs Joshua deal will be reached over the Christmas period. Photo credit: Getty Images

A heavyweight super fight between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker is expected to be confirmed in early 2018, according to Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn.

Negotiations between the two camps have been ongoing for months as both Joshua and Parker attempt to once again unify the heavyweight division. 

Joshua currently holds the IBF and WBA belts, while Parker has the WBO crown.

Speaking to Sky Sports UK, Hearn said both sides need to work out a couple of small details before officially confirming the fight

"We're getting there. As AJ says, he wants the belts, he wants to be the undisputed king of the division. That's the aim, and to do that he has to win two belts.

"We're looking at March 24, March 31 and April 7 as potential dates for his next fight, with various different venues in London and Wales, even other venues and cities around Europe as well.

Joseph Parker and David Higgins.
Joseph Parker and David Higgins. Photo credit: Photosport

"We want that unification fight, we're close to a deal with Parker - it's not done yet but we hope over the Christmas period, the turkey will get put to one side and we'll work to get that done.

"Hopefully we'll be in position to announce that early in 2018.

"AJ is that Willy Wonka fight - the golden ticket, the one everybody wants. A lot of people are talking 'I want this, I want that,' but if you really want it be realistic and come get it."

The winner of any fight between Joshua and Parker would then need to beat WBC holder Deontay Wilder (39-0) to proclaim himself undisputed heavyweight champion.

Both Joshua (20-0) and Parker (24-0) are also unbeaten so far in their professional careers.

Newshub.