The promoter for Joseph Parker has put the British Boxing Board of Control on notice to provide a top quality referee for the New Zealand heavyweight's looming clash with Dillian Whyte in the Englishman's backyard.
Promoter David Higgins speaks alongside Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker. Photo: Photosport
In what will be his first bout since losing his WBO belt to British star Anthony Joshua in their world title unification fight at the start of April, Parker is set to fight fellow highly-ranked title contender Whyte in London on July 29 (NZ time).
The South Aucklander became the first to take Joshua the distance as a professional as the latter won an unanimous points decision but much debate after the fight centred on Italian referre Giuseppe Quartarone.
Higgins hit out about Quartarone separating the fighters far too often, while he also voiced anger about, and eventually managed to have changed, the referee for Parker's previous fight, a points win over Hughie Fury last September.
The promoter said he didn't want any headaches around the referee for next month's bout at the O2 Arena, where the winner will put themselves firmly in the equation alongside heavyweight world title holders Joshua and American Deontay Wilder.
"Twice we have come to the UK and twice the officiating has involved a level of disgrace," Higgins told Sky Sport UK.
"There is probably a handful of referees in the world, maybe half a dozen, four or six that are considered the best in the world. Everyone knows who they are, so why for a heavyweight unification [did] they choose an obscure Italian, who has mostly officiated lighter weights?
"It was appalling. He didn't let the boxers engage and fight properly."
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Higgins, whose tirade at a press conference prior to Parker's fight against Fury led to the British board changing the referee, added that the governing body were on notice.
"We would like to see the British Boxing Board of Control and the officials selected be competent, experienced, well-known professionals.
"Ideally neutral with a good track record. We hope that's not too much to ask."
The general secretary for the British board, Robert Smith said Higgins could be assured the standard of officiating would reflect the importance of the bout.
Both Parker and Whyte are highly ranked heavyweights, the New Zealander being a world title holder just three months ago and the brash Brit on a seven-fight win streak which has him in the top four with three of the division's major sanctioning bodies.
Joseph Parker, right, and Dillian Whyte ahead of their heavyweight clash in London. Photo: Photosport
The pair have suffered just one loss each as professionals, Parker's only defeat in 25 fights coming to Joshua and Whyte (23-1) also going down to the undefeated champion at the end of 2015.
Meanwhile, New Zealand fans will pay $49.99 to watch the fight on Sky Sport's pay-per-view channel or online streaming service Fan Pass, the same price as was set for Parker's world title unification fight with Joshua.
Given Whyte's aggressive nature and willingness to take risks, though, this clash could be a more entertaining spectacle than what transpired in Parker's chess match with Joshua.
The bout will also come at the end of an undercard which features several other high profile boxers.
- RNZ
