13 Aug 2014

Parker not on the big-time radar

11:55 am on 13 August 2014

The British boxing promoter Ricky Hatton has stated that New Zealand heavyweight hopeful Joseph Parker isn't even on Hatton Promotions' radar for a fight with Lucas "Big Daddy" Browne.

New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker

New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Parker defeated little known American Keith Thompson this weekend and has mentioned a showdown with Browne on numerous occasions.

However as Browne, who holds the Commonwealth, WBC EPBC and WBA Inter-continental crowns, is ranked highly by the three main world governing bodies and seemingly on the verge of a world title shot, the match-up is highly unlikely at present.

Hatton says he's heard Parker's team say Browne is scared of them, which is laughable.

He says Browne is willing to fight anyone if it makes sense and he thinks Parker and his team need to be more realistic.

They're currently working on possible fights against Ruslan Chagaev, Derek Chisora and Tyson Fury, so why would they put Browne in with someone who has had only 10 fights and isn't ranked anywhere by the WBC, the WBA or the IBF?

Browne is focused on the fighters above him in the ratings, not someone who is just making his name.

Hatton says he doesn't want to sound like he's running the guy down because he respects everybody that gets in the ring and he wishes Parker all the best in the future, but right now he's not even on their radar.

Browne recently extended his unbeaten record to 21-0 (18 KOs) with a unanimous decision over Ukrainian Andriy Rudenko, who was himself undefeated in 24 contests.