By Edward Chaykovsky

Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, who handle Olympic gold medal winner Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15KOs) has reacted to a recent article that appeared on BoxingScene.com, where Duco Events promoter Dean Lonergan claimed Joshua was running scared from a potential fight.

Joshua and Parker, ranked second and third in the WBO respectively, are possibly heading in the direction of a future showdown in the heavyweight division.

Lonergan says that he came to the UK and wanted to hold a meeting to discuss the fight, but claims Hearn blew him off.   

"We desperately want to fight Joshua, we've put challenges to him," Lonergan said. "I was in England two months ago, I was trying to get a meeting through my boxing connections who know the Hearn camp intimately. Eddie Hearn (Joshua's promoter) turned me down flat."

Hearn remembers getting an email regarding his availability for a meeting, but says he was out of town during that period of time. Hearn is not that impressed with Parker's level of opposition. He does view Parker as a talented fighter and expects a fight with Joshua to eventually happen - as long as the two of them continue to win.

"I might have got an email saying he was in town and I don't think I was in town. In the last three days, I've counted probably six or seven fighters who've mentioned AJ or called him out. David Haye, Tyson Fury, Dereck Chisora, Malik Scott, Dillian Whyte, Joseph Parker. The list goes on and on," Hearn told Sky Sports.

"The Parker fight is a fight that can happen as long as he keeps winning. With respect, the level of opponents he has fought hasn't been up to the standard of Joshua's but I rate Parker. I think it's a good fight. I don't think anybody knows who Parker is over here outside of the hardcore boxing fraternity but in time, they will. I don't think Parker really wants AJ now because I think it's too early for him.

"Everybody is targeting Joshua because he's the money man of the division. It's great news. They'll all get their chance. They'll all get their shot. It's just that we can't fight nine people on the same night."