New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker is set to sign a deal for his next fight – but it won't be with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ring website is reporting that Queensberry Promotions are on the verge of finalising a heavyweight showdown between Parker and Briton Fabio Wardley.
The Ring reports the showdown between the WBO and WBA interim titleholders will be at London's O2 Arena on October 25.
In July, the WBO ordered negotiations for a bout between Parker and the unified heavyweight champion Usyk.
That followed the July fight between Usyk and Daniel Dubois, when the Ukrainian legend destroyed the Englishman. Immediately afterwards, promoter Frank Warren said Parker would be Usyk's next opponent.
It appears that will not be the case as Usyk is reported to be carrying an injury.
Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) has had just limited action over recent months.
He scored a TKO over Martin Bakole in February, with his last fight before that a majority decision win over Zhilei Zhang in March 2024.
Parker, 33, is back in Europe training with his coach Andy Lee.
Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs) last fought in June, beating Australian Justis Huni with a knockout.
The winner of the Parker-Wardley bout should then be the leading contender to take on Usyk.
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