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Home » David Higgins explains why Joseph Parker v Derek Chisora is off – for now

David Higgins explains why Joseph Parker v Derek Chisora is off – for now

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Duco boss David Higgins believes an attempt to shorted Joseph Parker’s preparation time was a deal-breaker in a spring collision with Derek Chisora.

Higgins says delays in finalizing the proposed April 20 battle meant Parker would be unable to get in peak condition.

“Joseph Parker will not be fighting Dereck Chisora in London on April 20,” Higgins told New Zealand Herald. “We’ve been trying over the last month to make it happen and have heard a lot of rhetoric but we still don’t have a contract.

“We signalled last week that we were at the 11th hour and we weren’t going to run a short camp. Suddenly they’re all over me now.

“I got a text from Eddie Hearn this morning and David Haye has reached out. I like them both but I think their approach to the process is cowardly.

“Del Boy’s approach was cowardly in that he watched his compatriot Dillian Whyte basically force Joe into a seven-week camp with home advantage. Plus officials, and instead of trying to run a fair fight with a fair lead time. Del Boy has been in camp for three weeks.

“They’re basically trying to steal a few weeks of advantage, and home advantage. There is a saying that beggars can’t be choosers but I’m both so this fight won’t be happening on those terms,” he added.

COLDWELL

Chisora has recently begun a partnership with David Coldwell. Manager Haye is delighted with the move but now needs a new target if he’s to keep the original date.

“Boxing is a unique sport where a rivalry can quickly turn to a partnership for the benefit of a working cause, as my partnership with Derek demonstrated.


“That certainly took everyone by surprise. It all came so tantalising close for Derek in December against Whyte, but as the saying goes ‘That’s boxing’ and especially in heavyweight boxing where one punch can end things.

“At Hayemaker we’re one hundred percent behind Derek and Dave and we support them as they embark on their quest to be part of the biggest, most exciting heavyweight showdowns,” said Haye.