New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker's long anticipated fight against Englishmen Derek Chisora has been confirmed for May 1.
The former WBO world heavyweight champion has "unfinished business" against the Englishmen after the pair were scheduled to fight back in October 2019 before the Kiwi pulled out suffering from the after-effects of a spider bite.
Fresh off an unconvincing and tough unanimous decision victory against compatriot Junior Fa last month, Parker made the bold decision to change trainers ahead of this blockbuster clash.
"I'm excited to start this new chapter in my career with a new coach and some fresh ideas," Parker says, who has teamed up with new trainer Andy Lee.
"I've settled in and Andy and I are bonding well. Chisora and I have unfinished business and inside the ring one of us will get the job done.
"I am well aware that a win on British soil and on world-wide television will put me in pole position whereas a loss will be catastrophic. I am more than up for the challenge. Bring it on Del Boy."
The 29-year-old is trying to make his way back to the top after winning the world title back in 2016. The Aucklander's progress has stalled since claiming that title, with his greatest attribute - his hand speed - diminishing.
He'll hope with the help of his new trainer he can bring back his biggest strength and start the climb back to the top.
His rival hasn't been seen in the ring since October last year where he pushed Ukraine star Oleksandr Usyk 12-rounds in their battle for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title.
The Englishman has been pushing for this fight all year and has been mocking the Kiwi to try get under his skin.
He tried to video call Parker on several occasions at 2am (NZ time) last month and labelled him a "chicken" as he continued to question whether the fight would happen.
"We've been here before," Chisora says. "In 2019 I flew to Vegas to film the 'Face To Face' with Parker.
"I called Haye as soon as I left and told him, 'This guy isn't going to get in the ring with me', I could see the fear in his eyes.
"Now, the second time around, I hope he fights. I'm looking forward to the fight, I cannot wait to get back in the ring!
"I love fighting, it is what I love the most. Good luck to Joseph Parker and his new team, we shall see you for WAR on May 1st!"
Parker's manager David Higgins is excited to finally have this fight in the books and it's one he thinks the fans will love.
"I think the fight will be a real fan pleaser," Higgins says. "It could be the Heavyweight Fight of the Year.
"You've got Chisora, who likes to stand and trade and come forward, and then you've got Parker, who has the speed and the pedigree.
"This fight has got a bit of history and it has been building for a while. It's fantastic that it's finally happening. This is a proper 50-50 matchup where the winner could go on to a World Title shot and the loser will go to the scrapheap. Credit to both Parker and Chisora for putting it all on the line."
