Injury has forced Hughie Fury out of the biggest fight of his career.
The undefeated Fury was preparing for his upcoming clash with WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, which was scheduled for May 6, but pulled out with less than a fortnight to go until fight night.
The flawless professional records of both men, as well as the WBO belt, was set to be on the line in Auckland, New Zealand but Parker is now awaiting a replacement opponent after Fury, the cousin of former champion Tyson Fury, announced that he would be unable to compete.
Parker’s promotional company, Duco Events, released a statement on the matter and announced that the New Zealander remains hopeful of an unranked fighter stepping up to keep the fight alive.
“Duco Events was today notified by the World Boxing Organisation that mandatory No 1 challenger Hughie Fury has an injury, and will be unable to challenge champion Joseph Parker for the Heavyweight Title on May 6 in Auckland,” the statement read.
“The World Boxing Organisation has, therefore, advised Duco Events to investigate the possibility of Joseph Parker making a voluntary defence of his heavyweight title against an opponent ranked in the top 15 of the world rankings.
“Duco Events is currently investigating all options and will make no further comment today.”
Since early 2015, Fury has been suffering with health issues, with a skin condition reportedly limiting him to competing at merely 30 per cent of his abilities.
It was that condition which forced the 22-year-old out of his match-up against Dillian Whyte but it remains to be seen whether that issue had anything to do with his withdrawal from the Parker bout.
