Joseph Parker

The two heavyweights will fight again on December 18 in Manchester.

Parker won via a split points decision when he and Chisora fought in May, which was also in Manchester.

The South Aucklander prevailed 116-111 and 115-113 on two of the three judges scorecards, but the other judge scored it 115-113 for Chisora.

The British veteran made his displeasure with the decision clear afetr the fight and immediately demanded a rematch.

Parker is keen to get a fight before the end of the year with likely opponents being Joyce or fellow Briton Derek Chisora.

Joyce is next in line to challenge for the WBO belt after Anthony Joshua defends his world titles against Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25.

Joyce’s manager Sam Jones told Sky Sport UK they’d face the New Zealander “in a heartbeat”.

The British contender could risk his status as WBO mandatory challenger against Parker, who is also ranked highly by the WBO.

American broadcaster ESPN linked Parker to the Covid outbreak in the Tyson Fury camp that has delayed the British star’s trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.

Parker has been training with Fury in Las Vegas and told Stuff at the time of the report that he was “keeping healthy and safe” and that his family who are with him in Las Vegas were “all good too”.

It seems Parker’s UK backers were impressed enough with his final effort on their original three-fight deal as he battled to a contentious split points decision against Chisora.

Parker’s New Zealand manager David Higgins has had a productive discussion with Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith that points to a positive future.

Smith sees value in a Parker v Chisora sequel and Higgins and Parker like the feel of it too.

The New Zealand boxer had four straight wins to his name ahead of his bout with British fighter Derek Chisora in Manchester.

However, a lack-lustre victory over Junior Fa in February meant most pundits still felt Parker had more to prove in his quest to regain world champion status.

The 29-year-old admitted it wasn't his best work but said the fight wasn't much of a gauge for a clash with former title challenger and no-nonsense veteran Chisora.

"They're two totally different styles.

Former WBO world heavyweight champion Parker and the vastly experienced Chisora fight in Manchester on Sunday morning (NZT).

Haye now manages Chisora but knows plenty about Parker, helping the Kiwi prepare in his London gym for his other British fights against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.

Haye sees this as the heavy hands of Chisora going up against the guile of Parker and doesn’t believe the judges will get involved.

Parker takes on Britain’s Dereck Chisora in Manchester on May 2 (NZT) in a contest that has huge ramifications to his career.

The fight is the last of Parker’s three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom outfit.

That original deal, believed to be worth around $6m, was signed in late May, 2019. Injuries and the Covid pandemic have stretched it out to two years with Parker only fighting and beating Alex Leapai and Shawndell Winters in two contests in the United States. His last win over fellow Kiwi Junior Fa in Auckland was independent of the Matchroom deal.

Chisora and former WBO champion Parker square off on May 2 (NZT), both tuning up with new trainers.

American Buddy McGirt, the man in the corner of Chisora, doesn’t believe Parker will be able to handle the “heat” coming his way.

"I mean it's not going to be an easy task, but we've just got to keep the heat on him," McGirt told Sky Sports UK.

"It's not a secret. Keep the pressure and the heat on, and make him uncomfortable, every second of every round."

When he was asked if Parker could handle these tactics, McGirt didn't hesitate: "No, personally no.

The two heavyweights clash in Britain on May 2 (NZT), finally coming together after their 2019 fight was cancelled after Parker suffered a spider bite while training in Las Vegas.

An incredulous Chisora raised doubts over that and labelled Parker “a chicken”. The rugged Brit has been merciless with his taunts at New Zealand’s former WBO champion ever since.

Parker, now preparing in Britain with his new trainer Andy Lee and working alongside his good mate Fury, says he’s keen to sort things out with Chisora where it matters most.

Parker has had a productive three weeks with Andy Lee after ending his eight-year partnership with Las Vegas-based New Zealand trainer Kevin Barry.

“It’s gone well, I’ve enjoyed it so far. I’ve been happy,” Parker, the former WBO champion, told Boxing UK.

“Andy isn’t changing a lot, he’s just working on correcting a few things, tidying me up and making sure I’m well-prepared for this fight.”