Anthony Joshua And Joseph Parker Reach Agreement On Purse

A heavyweight title unification bout between WBA and IBF champion Anthony Joshua and WBO champion Joseph Parker appears to have taken another step towards becoming a reality. 3KingsBoxing.com reported in November an announcement was expected by the first of the year but the official word could still be a few days away.

Parker’s promoters Duco have confirmed that they’ve received a contractual offer from their counterpart Eddie Hearn have agreed upon the revenue share for a potential fight in the UK in March or April of 2018.

“We’re really, really close,” said CEO David Higgins.

“We’ve agreed the ratio. The Joshua side gave a small concession, and we’ve agreed that the Parker side will get somewhere between 30 and 35 per cent.”

The last mandate from Parker’s side was for a 65/35 split of all takings generated.

While other details such as venue and date are yet to to be finalized, Higgins stressed that the most critical aspect of the agreement was now in place.

“There’s still a lot to agree, but we’ve agreed the most important thing which is the ratio. The rest should flow from there.”

The three primary options for locations were either Manchester, London, or Cardiff, Higgins stated.

It’s understood the detailed document contains a number of clauses, including one for a rematch should the New Zealand native add Joshua’s WBC and IBF heavyweight belts to the WBO strap he currently holds.

By: Chris Henderson