Joseph Parker's handlers prefer Britain's Anthony Joshua to America's Deontay Wilder for a potential unification bout.
Parker's future as WBO champion continues to grab headlines as the clouded heavyweight division looks to map a path towards one dominant fighter.
Wilder, the WBC champion has called out Parker saying he wants to fight the Kiwi next.
Joseph Parker's WBO belt gives him bargaining options as his handlers plot a path forward for the New Zealand heavyweight.
But Parker's mandatory defence against Britain's Hughie Fury – the date and venue of this fight are still to be determined – mean Duco boss David Higgins believes it's more appropriate top continue to try to plunder the lucrative UK scene for now.
There is plenty of water to go under the bridge before any unification bouts can take place – Parker has to get past Fury and Joshua needs to beat former champion Wladimir Klitschko in their fight for the IBF and WBA belts at Wembley in late April.
Higgins has Wilder on his radar but has a preference for Joshua at the moment.
"Joe's stock - assuming he wins - will go through the roof in England, therefore it would make sense for Joe to probably target English opportunities next after Fury," Higgins told Sky Sports in Britain.
"For example, if Joshua won, that would be a better unification because Joe's stocks are high. It looks like we are heading down the UK route at the moment and then once you conquer that, the United States is the next logical step."
A unification fight against Joshua rather than Wilder would certainly mean more money for Parker because of the big Brit's superior profile.
There might also be the temptation to chase Klitschko if the veteran can beat Joshua.
Wilder simmers away as a viable option given the American's eagerness for the fight and willingness to travel anywhere for it.
"I think Wilder will happen, but my gut feeling is it's probably a bit further down the track, but not too far away," Higgins told Sky Sports.
"I think the belts will unify. I wouldn't be surprised if within two years' time there is an undisputed heavyweight champion among the crop we are talking about. One will rise to the top."
Parker (22-0) is in Las Vegas training to take on Fury (20-0).
Fury is the younger cousin of Tyson Fury, the former champion who lost his belts as he battled personal issues late last year.
Parker swooped on his opportunity to win the vacant WBO belt by beating Mexico's Andy Ruiz in Auckland in December.
Photo: Photosport (Anthony Joshua pummels Eric Molina during his last defence of the IBF heavyweight world title).