By Edward Chaykovsky
A deal is inching closer for a showdown between top rated heavyweight contenders Joseph Parker (21-0, 18KOs) and Andy Ruiz (29-0, 19kOs).
As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Parker and his promoter Duco Events are in talks with Bob Arum of Top Rank to stage a fight with Ruiz on December 10th in New Zealand.
The two sides very close to agreement with the date being the only obstacle - because the date of December 10 is the same date which Ruiz's new coach, Abel Sanchez, will be working with middleweight king Gennady Golovkin in New York. Because of that, Arum wants a date in January, but that doesn't work for Duco Events.
The fight is also dependant on Tyson Fury being stripped of the WBO heavyweight crown - which is likely going to happen. Parker and Ruiz are the highest rated contenders and would battle it out for the vacant belt if Fury gets stripped.
Parker's promoter Dean Lonergan of Duco has had further positive talks with Arum. He believes they will reach a deal and a compromise on the date - which may come around Christmas time. There is also growing talk that Golovkin's next fight could be pushed back to early 2017.
"I think we will reach a compromise," Lonergan said to Fairfax Media. "We are closing in on a deal. But it's not a deal in this business until it's signed."
"Bob has to talk to Andy and his trainer. It's a matter of how we make this work from here. We are only doing this for the full WBO title
"There is a theory in boxing that you aren't the champion till you beat the champion. But who knows what is going to happen? Who knows how long Tyson Fury will be out? This is a rapidly changing scene but it's also a very exciting one and we are well placed."
