WBO title defense

Joseph Parker says Hughie Fury's withdrawal hasn't affected his focus and is confident a suitable replacement will be lined up for his WBO title fight in Auckland.

British heavyweight Fury did an 11th hour u-turn on the May 6 fight, complaining of a back injury that has apparently affected his training and will need "three to four weeks" of treatment.

Having already been in camp for more than 12 weeks because of previous delays caused by the Furys, Parker is eager to brush off the latest disappointment and get into the ring.

The two square off in Auckland on May 6.

Parker knows Fury will be well-coached and well-prepared given the world championship pedigree of the British team.

But after having a year off as he battled a rare skin condition, the 22-year-old Fury presents a difficult reconnaissance job for the Parker camp in terms of up to the date information.

But Parker has been suitably impressed with what he has managed to unearth.

Parker fights Fury in Auckland on May 6, making his first defence of the WBO world heavyweight belt.

Fury's promoter Frank Warren has been in discussions with Parker's backer David Higgins of Duco Events in London over the past week finalizing details around the fight.

Warren took time out to offer some thoughts on what might happen in the ring. Predictably, he's talking up his 22-year-old fighter as interest builds in the UK around the promotion which will, be televised live there.

Parker fights Fury in Auckland on May 6, his first defence of the coveted belt he won last December.

With Auckland City and the New Zealand government not interested in backing the fight, Parker's promoters Duco Events again sought financial support from Samoa.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegao confirmed to the Samoan Observer his cabinet had approved $144,000 for the fight, the same amount they invested in December's promotion where Parker beat Andy Riz on a Saomoan-themed evening at Vector Arena.