Frank Warren gave rival Ben Shalom both barrels over the collapse of a Joyce vs Parker heavyweight fight.
Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker would be approaching fight week had Warren’s previously announced plan gone ahead.
Warren appeared alongside Joyce and Parker on BT Sport back in April. All three agreed that the fight would happen, possibly on July 2 in London. Warren even commissioned the poster after speaking to Steve Bunce.
Joyce vs Parker
Parker and Joyce gave their two cents also to cement the verbal deal.
“It’s been brewing for a while now,” Parker said. “We’re nearly done. We’re nearly done agreeing to fight.
“And we’re so close. We just need Frank to sign the contract, and then we’re on. I would love to fight Joe Joyce. He’s standing right here.
“I’ve always wanted to fight him. He’s always wanted to fight me. So, let’s get it done.”
Joyce added: “We didn’t spar for a reason, because it’s such a great fight. It’s going to be made now.
“It’s almost there. So, I’m just really excited to get the party started and get in there.
“It’s on. It’s the best fight out there for either one of us, so let’s get it on.”
First rodeo
Weeks went by after the speeches without confirmation. Unfathomably, Parker then signed with Boxxer, and the match-up was off the menu.
Shalom then made a public statement offering to put the fight on Sky instead of the agreed BT Sport. Warren then laughed off the terms and gave his new rival a dressing down.
“How not to make a fight,” said Warren through social media channels. “Get everything you want in a contract and then not sign it.
“Sign with a broadcaster that the guy you “want” to fight doesn’t box on. Make a ‘face-saving’ public offer for a fight you know now can’t happen.
“Welcome to Ben Shalom’s first rodeo,” added the Hall of Fame promoter.
To compound the fans’ misery, Joyce will now tread water against Christian Hammer. At the same time, Parker hasn’t even found an opponent yet and was aiming to fight this summer.
It may have been better to follow through with Joyce vs. Parker on July 2 and sign with Boxxer after that fight.
Boxing doesn’t always work like that, sadly.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow World Boxing News on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
