Joseph Parker reveals his three dream fights for 2018

New Zealand heavyweight boxing star Joseph Parker is thinking big for 2018 with Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Tony Bellew his dream schedule.

Parker's handlers are in intense negotiations for the WBO world champion to have a unification fight with Joshua, the IBF and WBA belts holder.

That is looking increasingly likely for late March in Britain.

The goal for the winner of that fight will be to then take on WBC champion Wilder to try to be the undisputed world champion.

Parker has that on his mind and more as he plots what he hopes will be a defining year in his career.

"I'd like to fight Joshua in the UK as that's where the draw card is," Parker told ESPN as his profile continues to build on the hype being generated around this potential blockbuster.

"I'd also like to fight Wilder in America in Vegas and then I'd like to fight Tony Bellew. Those are the fights I want to make happen in 2018."

Parker sees a big payday in Britain against Bellew and he would like to cash in on that if possible.

"I'd love to fight Tony Bellew," Parker said of a bout that has long been on the table.

"We had discussions to fight when David Haye pulled out of the fight but we weren't in a full camp so not able to jump in and fill his place.

"I feel like if I had a great camp and prepared for Tony Bellew I could put on a great fight and beat him. Hopefully we can make something happen.

"But again it comes down to both teams being happy. I know he's a massive draw card so we would have to sit down and negotiate how we're going to split things but I feel it's a great possibility to fight in 2018.

"He's a great fighter but he's a cruiserweight coming up to heavyweight. I have better skills and a little bit more power."

Parker isn't short of options if the tricky unification talks get bogged down.

He has a deal with Australian Lucas Browne in the background if the Joshua fight doesn't eventuate. Russian Alexander Povetkin and big-talking English fighter Dillian Whyte are other options. China also beckons.

But Parker believes he should be setting his sights higher.

"There are many other options, but the goal is to get the Joshua fight as it will be a good fight and we can put on a great show," Parker told ESPN.

"Dillian Whyte is also a potential. He's showed some good performances in the ring and what he's done. But I feel like now I'm the champion I want to fight the other champions.

"My goal is to aim for those at the top. He can get to the top of the game as well but my goal is Joshua at the moment."

 

 

Photo by: PHOTOSPORT. Caption: New Zealand heavyweight boxing star Joseph Parker is eyeing a busy 2018.