The anticipated 2018 bout between WBA and IBF heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua and WBO champion Joseph Parker is now doubtful as Parker's promoter has accused Eddie Hearn of making a ridiculously low offer. David Higgins, a director at Duco Events says he is ready to abandon negotiation following a ridiculous email from AJ's promoter, Hearn.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Higgins said "I got this weird email from Eddie's email address, but he must have been hacked. He made the most ridiculously low offer. It could have been the most insulting offer in boxing history. To expect 40 per cent is actually quite reasonable, because you have earned it, and it's a unification."
"Of course I have mentioned it [to Joseph Parker] and he just laughed like I did. I'm not going to reply, because I don't think it was Eddie Hearn. I reckon someone hacked his account, it was a scam. I reckon Eddie respects boxing and I reckon Anthony Joshua wouldn't want to insult Joseph Parker."
"Joseph has worked his way from the ground up and earned the right. Joshua, I think, would understand and respect that, so it can't possibly be AJ or Eddie that made the offer. It must be an email hack." Meanwhile, Higgins says anything short of 40 per cent would put the bout in doubt.
"I'll give you a simple answer. They pay us 40 per cent and not a cent less, or they will fight Wilder, who will obviously win and then we'll fight Wilder 50-50. If they want to go fight Wilder, they can, and then we'll fight Wilder on a 50-50 basis later in the year, once he has all three belts."
"We will come to England and fight AJ, but 40 per cent is the bottom line and I can give my word now, not one per cent less. We have got several fights on the table and I tell you this, we have pretty much given up on Joshua. Assuming someone hacked his email, I apologise to Eddie, and he's welcome to give me a call. He's got my number if he wants to actually make a respectable offer."
"Joseph has earned the right. He's going to put it all on the line and deserves a fair payday. The terms they offered disrespect every kid in the world who wants to become heavyweight world champion and set their family up for life."
