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.
Hunter, who has seen his biggest opponent being activity 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 being his last fight on December 2021, a year-and-some changes ago.
“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.”
These words echo retorts from Hunter two weeks prior from a Seconds Out interview in which he brought up the fact that he could very well be facing Joseph Parker 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, 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.”
Hunter hopes to land a marquee fight against Joseph Parker in the spring.
Script.
2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter is hoping to land a fight with former world champion Joseph Parker with hopes of it landing later this year.
Hunter, who is coming off a draw to Jerry Forrest in December of 2021, was inactive for all of 2022, and now aims to get back on the right track.
When speaking with Seconds Out Michael Hunter said the following, Yes, yes - Joe Parker has agreed to fight me. Furthering it will be a good showcase for himself. When speaking with Lo Hanshaw of Behind The Gloves this week, he furthered that the fight between himself and Joseph Parker should be made, but added that you never know until you are in the ring.
Hunter had an uneventful 2022, and is looking to make up for lost time by jumping in with a former world champion to start his year off.
