Hughie Fury

Fury, over the radical acne condition that has hampered his game but not stopped him fashioning a 20-0 record, has vowed to be in the best condition of his career for his shot at a world title on May 6.

Already having a five centimeters advantage in height and reach, Fury is packing on weight to counter the more physical Parker. Fury usually fights around 104kg while Parker was at 111.5kg for his title win against Andy Ruiz last December.

Parker defends his belt for the first time when he takes on Parker in Auckland on May 6.

In a division dominated by huge fighters like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, Parker continues to work on his physique and strength.

He will give away height and reach to Fury, but will have a decisive edge in weight and power.

Fury brushed the disadvantages aside when talking to iNEWS in Britain ahead of his imminent departure for Auckland.

The 22-year-old will fight Parker in Auckland in May for the WBO belt which Parker holds after being vacated by Hughie's cousin Tyson Fury.

"That was the greatest moment, to receive that letter," said Fury, a United supporter.

"He wished me all the best and told me not to let the occasion get above me.

"It was very inspiring what he had to say," he added.

 Photo: PHOTOSPORT Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Parker defends his WBO title for the first time when he takes on Fury in Auckland on May 6.

It's a chance for the unbeaten Kiwi to emphasise his credentials to the massive British audience as the heavyweight scene looks to sort out the top tier of talent.

McGuigan, the Irish featherweight who held the WBA and Lineal titles during a long period of dominance in the 1980s, already has plenty of respect for Parker.

Fury's application for a visa has been rejected by Immigration New Zealand on character grounds.

He was jailed for ten years in 1995 for possession and intent to supply amphetamine.

In 2008, Peter Fury was sentenced to another two years for drug-related money laundering.

In a statement, Immigration New Zealand area manager Darren Calder said the case "was fully considered and all representations submitted on Mr Fury's behalf were taken into account before a decision was made to decline his request".

Parker will make the first defence of his belt against Hughie Fury in Auckland on May 6, and the challenger could be joined by his cousin Tyson for the trip to New Zealand.

Tyson announced last week that he intends to return to boxing after overcoming personal problems and his presence at ringside would be welcomed by Parker.

"He will get a good reception," Parker exclusively told Sky Sports. "He's the man who beat the champ, so in everyone's eyes he is still the champ in recess.

Parker has brushed off questions about his form and focus as he prepares to defend the belt for the first time.

Parker takes on Fury in Auckland on May 6 and wants a statement performance, aware that an impressive showing will open the door to the lucrative UK market where the fight game, and particularly the heavyweight division, is booming.

But the Brits continue to sound less than convinced about Parker's claims to the elite ranks of the big boppers where he holds one of the coveted four belts.

During a blissful summer break in Samoa and New Zealand, Parker afforded himself the chance to bask in the afterglow of his historic victory over Andy Ruiz last December.

Once his first title defence was set against unbeaten Brit Hughie Fury, Parker immediately returned to Vegas, skipping the NRL Auckland Nines and Halberg Awards where he was nominated for sportsman of the year, and ripped into smashing out 10 rounds at a time on the bag. He even requested to start sparring early.

Parker's promoter, Duco boss David Higgins, confirmed today that the fight for the WBO world heavyweight title will take place in New Zealand despite Fury's impending hearing over doping allegations.

Higgins says Fury's hearing with the British Boxing Board of Control has been set for after his fight with Parker.

The 22-year-old Fury, the cousin of former undisputed world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, is alleged to have used the prohibited steroid nandrolone back in 2015.

Over the last fortnight Parker has called out WBC champion Deontay Wilder and new British star Tony Bellew, looking for a massive pay day down the line.

First Parker must negotiate his way past mandatory challenger Fury in a fight set to be confirmed for May 6 in New Zealand.

Fury has accused Parker of taking his eye off the ball and vows to make the unbeaten Kiwi pay.