Joseph Parker has recently announced he will be fighting Eric Molina in his first of a three-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing.
New Zealand’s only heavyweight world champion is looking to get back into contention amongst the big-hitters after losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte in 2018.
After enduring those back-to-back defeats, Parker returned to his native country and blasted out Alexander Flores inside three rounds to end last year on a high.
And now Parker, who defeated current unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2016, enters the second phase of his career alongside Eddie Hearn and a familiar face.
“My six-year promotional contract with Duco Events ended on March 26,” Parker said. “It was a wonderfully successful partnership. So much so that David Higgins will always be part of my team, advocating in my best interests in a management capacity.
“Since my contract with Duco ended I have been a free agent. My team and I spent several months assessing how to best achieve my goal of not only becoming a world champion again, but unifying all of the belts to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
The former WBO titlist admitted himself and his management conducted a robust process that included seeking offers from boxing’s most prominent promoters.
Speaking about his decision to join Hearn, who exclusively promotes for Sky and DAZN in the UK and U.S., respectively, Parker said: “Ultimately we decided that the best option was to partner with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.
“We believe the three-fight deal will be the start of a long and successful partnership.”
HEARN
Asked if the Kiwi could climb back up the rankings and have the chance of world glory for a second time, Hearn said: “If Joseph Parker performs the way we all know he can over these next three fights then he will have a strong case for (a title shot).
“There’s certainly unfinished business (with Anthony Joshua), so this is a really exciting signing for Matchroom.
“And, I must say, I am also looking forward to sparring again with my old mate David Higgins as we haggle over the terms of each deal for Joseph.
“David unquestionably has Joseph’s best interests at heart and he is a tough negotiator, so there are going to be some interesting discussions ahead.”
