By Miguel Rivera
BoxingScene.com was advised by World Boxing Organization President Francisco 'Paco' Valcarcel that Hughie Fury (20-0, 10KO's) is on the verge of losing his mandatory title shot at WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (22-0, 18KO's).
Earlier this month, Duco Events submitted the winning amount at the WBO's offical purse bid to secure the promotional rights to the mandatory fight between
Duco Events submitted an insured purse of $3,011,000, where Parker will receive $ 1,806,600.00 (60%) and Fury will get $ 1,204,400 (40%). The minimum bid accepted was $1,000,000.00 (one million dollars). Duco co-promotes Parker with Top Rank. Fury is handled by Frank Warren.
A date of April 1 was submitted and the location given Auckland, New Zealand.
But now there is a problem, because Fury has yet to sign a contract for the fight and the WBO has grown impatient and so has Team Parker.
Team Parker have submitted a request to make a voluntary defense if Fury does not sign a contract. The WBO is likely going to approve that request.
If Hughie Fury doesn't sign before 12pm UK time tomorrow, the WBO as requested will consider sanctioning a voluntary for Joseph Parker," WBO President Paco Valcarcel advised BoxingScene.com.
Parker, a native of New Zealand, won the vacant world championship last December in his country, with a majority decision over previously undefeated Andy Ruiz. Meanwhile, Fury, a native of England, was crowned the Intercontinental champion last April by winning a technical decision over seven episodes against veteran Fred Kassi.
The belt became vacant when Fury's cousin, Tyson Fury, vacated the title last fall. Tyson captured the title with a shocking twelve round decision over Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015. A rematch was never held as Fury postponed two planned dates and then vacated to focus on his mental health issues. Once he vacated, the WBO ordered Parker and Ruiz to battle for the vacant belt.
The original mandatory challenger was David Haye, but he went in another direction by accepting a Sky Sports Pay-Per-View showdown with WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, who is moving up in weight, on March 4th.
