Joseph Parker's plans for another WBO world heavyweight title defence in December have been put on hold.
Joseph Parker. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Parker's team had hoped to secure a fight in Japan following his win over British boxer Hughie Fury last month but the 25-year-old has indicated he wants to be at his daughter's first birthday at the end of the year instead.
His promoter, Duco's David Higgins, also said the fight in Japan wasn't as viable as first thought.
"We looked at several opportunities including Japan and Russia etc.
"In the end the Japanese were good and solid but the money of offer wasn't enough to warrant the risk so the team made a decision that Joseph would have a longer break and we'd regroup in the new year and do a better deal on our terms," Higgins said.
Higgins said if the right offer came their way, they would consider still taking a fight in December.
He also said a showdown with British boxer Anthony Joshua, who holds the IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles, is on the cards for the second half of 2018 as long as his promoter, Eddie Hearn, is willing to pay more than the 20 per cent he's currently suggested Parker's worth for the bout.
-RNZ
