By Duncan Johnstone
Joseph Parker's handlers are confident their fighter's focus is under control as talk continues to swirl of a rushed world title fight against Anthony Joshua.
Parker fights German-based Russian Alexander Dimitrenko in Manukau on October 1.
But his buildup is set against a backdrop of intrigue in Britain as Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn looks to finalise an opponent for the November 26 IBF world title fight.
Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev and Canada's Bermane Stiverne are the favoured options though Parker, because of his mandatory challenger's position, is also in the frame.
Hearn will name the opponent next week. While there is a preference to have Parker fight another big Brit, David Price on the undercard, Hearn could enforce the mandatory challenge on the Kiwi heavyweight.
Dean Lonergan, part of Parker's management at Duco Events, confirmed it's a fluid situation, but also emphasised it wasn't affecting Parker's preparations for the crucial clash with Dimitrneko where a loss would see his IBF mandatory position disappear.
"All I know is that Eddie Hearn has not confirmed a main fight for November 26 and our discussions with him continue around the David Price fight and an Anthony Joshua fight at a later date," Lonergan said.
"That just heightens the importance of this. If Joseph can't beat Alexander Dimitrenko the world title shot is over and I'm pretty sure Eddie Hearn will stop talking to me immediately if we don't get past October 1.
"Joe is ready to go (against Joshua) be it November 26 or be it March next year ... either date suits us. We have had Joseph in camp in Vegas for six weeks with three or four monsters. If Joe could take care of business on October 1 we'd go straight back into camp and I don't think there would be anyone as well prepared."
Lonergan even raised the possibility of Parker's stablemate Izu Ugonoh being a wildcard for Joshua, now that he has moved into the IBF's top 15 where Hearn must choose from.
Parker is primed for Dimitrenko and is rounding off his workouts in Auckland. He even has his parents staying with him at his central city hotel and attending his training, to add to his comfort.
"Joe knows that negotiations are ongoing. After a certain date we will stop talking to Joe about that," Lonergan said, backing trainer Kevin Barry's experience in this delicate situation.
"Kevin Barry is a master (at maintaining focus). Both Kevin and Joe know there is no point thinking about anything other than Alexander Dimitrenko. The reason is simple - the second they start thinking ahead, we won't get there.
"My job is to set everything up, their job is to focus on everything in hand. Kevin in particular has been through this before (with David Tua) and he has learnt from that. He has Joe focussed."
Lonergan believes Parker will only improve by taking calculated risks which he sees both the Dimitrenko and Price fights holding ahead of a world title shot against Joshua.
"We aren't going there just to compete, we aren't going for the pay day, we are going to win this thing," Lonergan said of the IBF belt.
"You only get prepped by fighting big guys. This (Dimitrenko) is a tough fight, a risky fight, but we think the risk is justified.
"Price is a good fight. It's a fight that incurs risk for Joe and if you want to get better you have to get into situations of risk. We don't think it represents extreme risk but it represents a risk that will improve Joe as a fighter.
"It will make the fight bigger in March if we get past Price and put more money on the table for Joe.
"It's a risk and return game but we are looking at it more from a view of getting Joseph Parker ready to win the world title.
"That's our big plan. That's why we think we need to take risks.
"That's what it's been all about for the last three and a half years – to finish the job that Kevin Barry and David Tua started."
