04-24-2017, 01:04 PM
Joseph Parker's promoter casts major doubts over Hughie Fury's back injury video
David Higgins says they're looking at possible top 15 WBO fighters to take on Parker in two weeks.
Joseph Parker's promoter believes there's "a one in a billion chance" that Hughie Fury has injured his back.
The Fury camp have cited a back injury to their fighter for the reason for pulling out of the WBO world title fight with Joseph Parker in Auckland on May 6.
Duco Events boss David Higgins is less than convinced.
A back injury is preventing British boxer Hughie Fury taking up hjis world title challenge against Joseph Parker.
"There is a possibility that Hughie Fury is actually injured ... I'd say about a one in a billion chance. But we can't rule that out," sniped Higgins, reflecting the sour relations between the two camps that have now hit rock bottom with this latest development.
The Furys have never appeared keen to come to New Zealand since Higgins pipped Fury's promoter Frank Warren in the purse bid for the rights to the fight.
Higgins and his team have spent a frantic Sunday night and Monday trying to save the Auckland promotion and hope to make an announcement by Tuesday or Wednesday.
"It's been crisis mode but, hey, that's the business we're in," Higgins said with the multi-million dollar promotion hanging by a thread.
They have been given permission by the WBO to take a voluntary defence against another fighter ranked in the organisation's top 15. Getting a suitable opponent at such short notice is the challenge.
Joseph Parker will keep fine-tuning his preparations in the hope that the May 6 promotion can be saved with a credible replacement fighter.
Higgins said there were "a handful of options" available and he had his matchmaker Stuart Duncan working through them.
"We have two choices - we either cancel the event or we find someone that fits the bill. He must be a credible opponent, fight-ready, fit and in the top 15," Higgins said.
"Ideally if we can find someone like that we continue. If we don't, I think it is unlikely that Joseph will fight in New Zealand in the near future."
David Higgins says they're looking at possible top 15 WBO fighters to take on Parker in two weeks.
Joseph Parker's promoter believes there's "a one in a billion chance" that Hughie Fury has injured his back.
The Fury camp have cited a back injury to their fighter for the reason for pulling out of the WBO world title fight with Joseph Parker in Auckland on May 6.
Duco Events boss David Higgins is less than convinced.
A back injury is preventing British boxer Hughie Fury taking up hjis world title challenge against Joseph Parker.
"There is a possibility that Hughie Fury is actually injured ... I'd say about a one in a billion chance. But we can't rule that out," sniped Higgins, reflecting the sour relations between the two camps that have now hit rock bottom with this latest development.
The Furys have never appeared keen to come to New Zealand since Higgins pipped Fury's promoter Frank Warren in the purse bid for the rights to the fight.
Higgins and his team have spent a frantic Sunday night and Monday trying to save the Auckland promotion and hope to make an announcement by Tuesday or Wednesday.
"It's been crisis mode but, hey, that's the business we're in," Higgins said with the multi-million dollar promotion hanging by a thread.
They have been given permission by the WBO to take a voluntary defence against another fighter ranked in the organisation's top 15. Getting a suitable opponent at such short notice is the challenge.
Joseph Parker will keep fine-tuning his preparations in the hope that the May 6 promotion can be saved with a credible replacement fighter.
Higgins said there were "a handful of options" available and he had his matchmaker Stuart Duncan working through them.
"We have two choices - we either cancel the event or we find someone that fits the bill. He must be a credible opponent, fight-ready, fit and in the top 15," Higgins said.
"Ideally if we can find someone like that we continue. If we don't, I think it is unlikely that Joseph will fight in New Zealand in the near future."