Anthony Joshua's promoter says a fight with Joseph Parker is very close as he admits giving in to some of the demands made by Parker's camp.
Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports UK a unification bout between Parker and Joshua could happen as soon as March next year, with the two parties close to a deal now.
"Joshua is the Willie Wonka golden ticket fight everybody wants," Hearn said.
"So unfortunately for him it's going to mean sometimes taking a deal that isn't right but my job is to represent Anthony Joshua and to deliver the deals that are right."
Hearn said the fight was a necessity for the UK fighter - even if it meant damaging the purse they wanted from the bout.
"We're not just going to fold over and let them tickle our belly and give everything away but we ultimately understand that we're going to have to overpay Joseph Parker to get that unification fight.
"We need these belts and they know that as well - Anthony Joshua's pure aim is to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world; to do that he has to beat Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder."
Hearn said while it hasn't been easy, he has at least made progress with one camp.
"The Wilder fight is in dreamland at the moment with his demands, the Parker fight is very close. Hopefully we can get that over the line before Christmas, pick up the WBO world title in March and then move on for the big one with Wilder."
SHARE ME