Joseph Parker’s promoter is already preparing for possible negotiations for a fight with Oleksandr Usyk, saying that Parker deserves the lion’s share of the total purse.
In what looks to be a trial balloon, David Higgins calls Parker the A-side. The so-called B-side, Higgins says, belongs to Usyk despite credentials that include an Olympic gold medal and a spot among the Top 10 on virtually every pound-for-pound list.
Usyk figures to counter that he has the bigger name and hence deserves the bigger paycheck. After all, Parker has neither Olympic gold nor a mention in the pound-for-pound debate. But talks have to start somewhere and that usually means the media. It’s a place to begin before the bargaining table.
In a sure sign that Higgins expects the fight to happen sometime in 2020, he staked out some early turf, all of which can change once lawyers and networks join the discussion.
“Usyk has not earned his stripes at heavyweight,” Higgins told Sky Sports. “Joseph Parker is the A-side.’’
Higgins, one among many, is waiting on Anthony Joshua’s next move. If Joshua and Kubrat Pulvev agree to a deal for a mandatory defense, Joshua figures to relinquish a belt, opening the way for Parker-Usyk.
Higgins is already seeking some leverage, arguing that Parker fought and lost to Joshua in March 2018 at sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. He also said that Parker, currently training in Las Vegas for a fight against a yet undisclosed opponent Feb. 29 on a card featuring Mikey-Garcia-Jessie Vargas, lost to Dillian Whyte in front of a capacity crowd at the O2 Arena in London.
“If Usyk wants to share the ring with Parker, I would be expecting 70-30 [in Parker’s favor],’’ Higgins said. “I’ll get ridiculed for that, but listen, Parker has beaten Andy Ruiz, he’s sold out the Principality and the O2.
“He’s a big name in the U.K., so Usyk is the B-side.’’
Expect many sides before anybody hears an opening bell.