Joseph Parker vs. Hughie Fury Heads To a Purse Bid on Friday
By Miguel Rivera
SAN JUAN, PR - World Boxing Organization President Francisco 'Paco' Valcarcel has informed BoxingScene.com that a deal has not been reached, so on Friday his organization will hold a purse bid for the mandatory fight between WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (22-0, 18KO's) and top challenger Hughie Fury (20-0, 10KO's).
The purse bid will take place at the Hotel Verdanza in Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
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 minimum bid accepted will be $ 1,000,000.00 (one million dollars), where 60% will go to Parker and 40% to Fury, as agreed upon at the 29th Annual WBO convention.
Valcárcel will be personally presiding over the purse bid. Frank Warren should be representing Fury, while Duco Events should be there on behalf of Parker - who is co-promoted by Top Rank.
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.
