Tuesday 26 July 2016 10:43, UK
Joseph Parker is set to fight Alexander Dimitrenko in October as he continues preparations for an eventual world title bout with Anthony Joshua.
The New Zealand fighter is the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title held by Joshua, although the bout will not be enforced until November.
In the meantime Parker (20-0-KO17) will face the Ukrainian in Auckland on October 1 on the back of knocking out Solomon Haumono inside four rounds last week.
The 24-year-old became mandatory challenger for the IBF belt after a points win over Carlos Takam in May but will give up 9cm in height and 18cm in reach when he meets Dimitrenko.
"Dimitrenko is a guy who former world champion Shannon Briggs went out of his way to avoid earlier this year because of the risk," said Duco Events promoter, Dean Lonergan.
"Even casual boxing fans know that all Eastern Europeans in the heavyweight division know how to fight".
After Joshua's seventh-round stoppage of Dominic Breazeale in June, Eddie Hearn had suggested that a title defence against Parker could be set for November but added the IBF champion needed a rest after a punishing schedule.
Hearn said: "We like the Joseph Parker fight, that's the mandatory, and we'll have to deal with that at some point. Whether that's November, December or whether that's March, April that's a good fight."
