Boxing: Joseph Parker v Anthony Joshua deal to be completed after Christmas

New Zealand heavyweight boxer and WBO world champion Joseph Parker during an open training session in Manchester. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn says the Joseph Parker v Anthony Joshua fight will likely be signed after Christmas.

Speaking overnight, Hearn said the deal for a world heavyweight unification bout was close for next year but not quite done yet.

"Will we get an announcement before the turn of the year? I'd like one," Hearn told IFL TV. "We're close with Joseph Parker, the deal's not done yet. We're drafting paper work, it's a very long process, it's very complicated. We have had good conversations … with David Higgins. He's done a great job in pushing this fight and I believe he's got a great deal for his fighter as well."

Anthony Joshua. Photo / AP.

The Herald understands Parker's promoter Higgins has agreed a $12 million purse for the 25-year-old. It will probably be held in Cardiff on March 31.

"This is the fight we want," Hearn added. "This is the only fight where someone is being remotely realistic. And why? Because Joseph Parker wants the scalp of Anthony Joshua. Others talk about it.

"Joseph Parker wants this fight because he believes he can beat Anthon Joshua and he knows if he wins this fight he becomes the biggest star in the sport. That's why he's taking this fight and by the way he's going to get a fortune for it as well."

Hearn added of Joshua: "People talk about 'oh he's got a weak chin', and he's vulnerable, yeah – I'll tell you what, you get in the ring with this monster. He's a beast and he's improving every day and he's hungrier than ever to take these guys out. And he wants to take Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder out of the game."