Joseph Parker says he’s willing to fight his friend Tyson Fury to get the opportunity to capture a world title. Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) won the WBO interim heavyweight title last Friday night, defeating Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) by a twelve-round majority decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Due to the rematch clause, Parker will need to fight Zhang again before he can compete for the world title against the holder of the WBO belt.
Parker says he wants to make life-changing money to provide for his family, and if Fury is the one he has to face to get that, he’ll do it. Of course, Fury might have other ideas.
Aiming for the Top
“When Tyson wins the fight with Usyk, and I’m in the position to fight for the WBO world title, if it’s going to make a massive change for my life and my family, we’ll do it. I reckon he’ll be like, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ So, he can look after both of us for the rest of our lives,’ said Joseph Parker to iFL TV when asked if he would be willing to face his close friend, Tyson Fury, if he gets through his fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Tyson might choose to vacate the WBO belt if he still possesses it after two fights against Oleksandr Usyk and potentially a match against Anthony Joshua.
If Fury is the last man standing from those fights, he’ll be so wealthy that he may choose to give up the WBO belt and walk away rather than face his friend, Parker. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Fury’s fortune is estimated at $85 million.
It could double after two fights against Usyk and one or two against Joshua. With that kind of money, it’s difficult to imagine Fury choosing to stick around and fight his close friend Parker.
Grateful for Fury’s Support
“I want to be world champion, and I want to fight the best, and I believe Tyson is the best. If it’s Tyson, we’ll have a quick word and see where we end up. We’ll see,” Parker continued.
Perhaps Fury might choose to fight Parker to help him financially and give him a chance to become a two-time heavyweight champion. Parker isn’t hurting financially, either. According to The Sun, Parker’s net worth is estimated at $13.1 million. That’s enough money for him to live well without Fury’s help.
“Without Tyson, I wouldn’t have been with Andy Lee. I wouldn’t have been with George Lockhart. I wouldn’t have had the team that I have. I’m very grateful to cross paths with him and become a close brother. He’s done well for me, and all I can say is thanks to him. It’s great to be back, and there’s more to come,” said Parker.
