2012 U.S. Olympian and former world title challenger Michael Hunter might just be the next opponent for Joseph Parker, he revealed when speaking to Lo Hanshaw of Behind The Gloves. This has capped off months of rumors that the two could find themselves facing each other next.
Hunter, who has seen his biggest opponent landing a marquee opponent as since losing to Oleksandr Usyk in a cruiserweight world title fight in April of 2018, he has fought ten times, not losing any - but with two draws to Alexander Povetkin and Jerry Forrest. The Jerry Forrest bout was his last fight on December 2021, a year-and-some changes ago, on the Triller platform.
“The fight should be made, we’re getting closer to making a decision,” stated Hunter to Behind The Gloves about a possible fight with former world champion Joseph Parker. “[you never] have a deal until someone gets in the ring with you.”
In January, Hunter confessed to Seconds Out in an interview that Parker could very well be next.
“
Yes, yes - Joe Parker has agreed to fight me,” said Hunter when speaking to Seconds Out 2 weeks ago at the Beterbiev vs Yarde fight. “It is going to be a good fight, and a good showcase.”
Hunter has not fought since a shaky performance to Jerry Forrest in 2021, in which he didn’t look his best. Since that performance though, no opportunities have come his way, as Hunter has been viewed as the boogeyman of the division by some.
“[Hunter’s activity] has a lot to do with pedigree and my position [in the heavyweight division],” stated Hunter to Hanshaw of Behind The Gloves during their 16-minute interview, on YouTube about his position as being the heavyweight boogeyman. “Eventually, they’re going to have to fight. A lot of these guys are getting beat, you’re seeing their downfalls right now, and I am still right here…the only way they get me out of their is inactivity.”
