American calls out Parker

By Ilia L. Likou 25 April 2017, 12:00AM

American boxer Dominic Breazeale has challenged WBO champion, Lupesoliai Joseph Parker. In a social media post, Breazeale has called on Parker to put his WBO heavyweight belt on the line in Auckland on May 6.

“Joseph @joeboxerparker; You need an opponent?” Breazeale posted. 

“Let's do this. Defend your belt against a real contender. 

“Test yourself to see what kind of Champion you are. I'm ranked #6, so the WBO will definitely sign off on this. 

“I'll go to New Zealand. Plus, you have the opportunity to avenge Izu's loss. Send the contract, I'll sign it right now.”

Duco Events need to find a top-15 ranked fighter to replace Hughie Fury after the British boxer pulled out of the bout due to a suspicious back injury.

The Californian's record is 18-1 with his only loss coming against Brit Anthony Joshua in London last June. 

Yesterday Lupesoliai remained focused that he would have an opponent on 6 May.

“How do you keep focused?  You do what you have to do, which is train hard and prepare well,” he said. 

“You have a great team around you and you want to defend the belt and keep it so that’s what keeps you focused and whatever comes you just have to adapt.  Does it affect me mentally?  Not at all.  We prepare for whatever situations come our way.”

Lupesoliai said Fury’s withdrawal is “probably an excuse.  

“It might be an excuse, it might be legit, I think we just have to adapt and prepare for what is coming our way.

“Of course I am going to fight May 6th.  May 6th I’ve been preparing for this day so whoever they bring, I will prepared for it.  I want an opponent which is going to put up a good fight.  An opponent that’s going to make everyone think it’s a 50/50 fight.”

 His Trainer, Kevin Barry, said he hopes Fury’s injury is not too serious.

“I wish Hughie a speedy recovery.  I will say it didn’t come as a total surprise to us.  Just the way the whole Fury team have been conducting themselves in the last three months, it didn’t at all surprise us for them to pull out at this last minute.

“We were originally supposed to fight on April 1 only for the Fury camp not to sign the contract on time, so now pushed out to May 6.  

“This has been a long training camp for us and Joe is very well prepared, really wants to fight, when you look at the last three years, he’s fought five times a year.  This will be in 2017, this is five months since Joe has had a fight, so he really wants to get in the ring and wants to fight.”

By Ilia L. Likou 25 April 2017, 12:00AM
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