Drug testing and neutral officials confirmed for Joseph Parker v Carlos Takam IBF heavyweight boxing eliminator

Drug testing and neutral officials have already been agreed to as the rival camps of heavyweight boxers Joseph Parker and Carlos Takam begin negotiations to host their world title eliminator.

With the IBF last week ordering the fight to find a mandatory challenger for the winner of next month's title fight between champion Charles Martin (US) and Anthony Joshua (GB), the promoters have busied themselves with trying to sort through details of where, when and how.

It's an interesting task for Duco Events who look after Parker.

Takam is Cameroon-born but fights mostly out of France and is managed by an Italian company.

Duco's Dean Lonergan indicated initial contact had ironed out some details though where the fight would be held remains a bargaining point.

Duco, naturally, want it in New Zealand while Takam's camp are keen for it to be held in France.

May 21 seems to be the preferred date at this stage.

Given the significance of the occasion, drug testing would be used and neutral officials for the referee and judges would also be involved to keep both camps happy, Lonergan confirmed.

They have until March 11 to come to final agreement though Lonergan indicated they could get a fortnight's respite if they were close to agreement but needed more time.

If they can't settle on terms by then, the fight would become a purse bid with the highest offer winning. That process could include offers from independent promoters who may see the fight as having potential as a money-maker.

Lonergan is adamant it will be held in New Zealand or France and says a neutral venue made "no sense" without the benefit of local gate takings and other revenue.

"It's a very interesting process and it's going to take some cool heads," Lonergan said.

     

Author: 
Stuff.co