Joseph Parker signs signs "best deal of career"

Kiwi heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has signed a multi-fight deal with a new promoter dubbed an offer he couldn't refuse.

The former WBO world heavyweight champion has put pen to paper with Sky Sports UK under their UK promoter Boxxer.

Parker's previous deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing ended late last year. He signed a three-fight deal with Matchroom in 2019, and extended that with a one-fight offer for his second bout against heavy-hitting Englishman Derek Chisora last December.

Parker won the fight by unanimous decision, knocking Chisora down three times in the process, in an impressive display.

The new deal should see Parker back in the ring soon.

His New Zealand promoter David Higgins said the deal 'is probably the best deal Joseph Parker has had in his career'.

"The most powerful boxing platform in the world is arguably British Sky Sport who have had multiple blockbuster boxing events globally. For Joseph it's fantastic to sign with Ben Shalom and Boxxer who are British Sky Sport's promotional partner in the UK." Higgins said.

"Joseph did the hard yards in New Zealand. As a team we built him up and this is now an opportunity to replicate that on a global scale.

"We'll keep the commercial terms confidential but Joseph Parker has nailed his colours to the mast of Sky Sport and Boxxer so it's a longer-term commitment.

"They've come through with an offer we couldn't refuse. It's not just about money the overall deal is probably the best deal Joseph Parker has had in his career.

"There's a plethora of streaming services popping up but Sky have massive history in boxing. It's a juggernaut. The ability to build a profile is second to none and is something the streaming giants can't offer so it was a very attractive package."

Parker has been linked with a potential matchup against British contender Joe Joyce, with Parker's camp hopeful of seeing their man in action in the English summer.

With Joyce and Parker ranked No 1 and 2 by the WBO, it's an intriguing matchup. Parker would be a big step up in competition for the former Olympic silver medallist – who most recently beat Carlos Takam for his 13th straight professional win in as many fights.