Tyson Fury admits he would rather give Joseph Parker his heavyweight world title than fight him for it.
Fury, 34, is good friends with former champion Parker as the heavyweight duo often help each other out for their respective fights. 'The Gypsy King' was ringside for Parker's first round knockout win against Faiga Opelu on Wednesday and he jumped in the ring after the fight to celebrate with his friend.
The Brit was asked about the possibility of a fight against Parker before his recent win, but the WBC titleholder ruled out any chance of a future meeting between them. “Definitely not. No. I’d rather give him the belt than fight him for it," Fury said. "We’re too close for that fight and there’s plenty of heavyweights out there. He doesn't need to fight me, I don't want to get beat up, sorry!"
Fury was expected to meet fellow heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed clash in April but the fight was cancelled after both heavyweights were unable to agree terms. Potential fights against Andy Ruiz Jr or Zhilei Zhang were then discussed for Fury, but both are now off the table and 'The Gypsy King' has since been linked to a clash against Australian heavyweight Demsey McKean in the summer.
"Chats began some time ago for Demsey to fight Tyson Fury in Australia and I think Demsey is the best option for the Gypsy King," Demsey's manager Angelo Di Carlo told News Corp. "We're certainly keen to do the fight. We've had a good association with Matchroom [McKean's promoters] and we have great respect for Eddie Hearn, but I'll have more talks with Fury's camp and see where that takes us.
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"If Tyson Fury wants to fight in Australia, the logical option is to fight an Aussie fighter and talking to Fury's people, they don't want to fight a small heavyweight. Demsey is one of Australia's best heavyweights, but Demsey is six foot six and being a southpaw, he would present a real test for Tyson. We've been given a possible date to fight Fury in August, so hopefully we can make it happen."
A rescheduled meeting between Fury and Usyk has been pencilled-in for the end of the year in Saudi Arabia, granted both parties can reach an agreement this time round. The monumental heavyweight event could also see a fight between former champions Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
