Tuesday 19 September 2017 17:24, UK
The referee overseeing Joseph Parker vs Hughie Fury could yet be changed by the British Boxing Board of Control amid a back-and-forth row about Terry O’Connor’s appointment.
New Zealander Parker will defend his WBO heavyweight title in Fury's hometown of Manchester this weekend, and the teams became embroiled in an ugly spat at Monday's press conference over the chosen officials.
Parker's promoter David Higgins was led away by security after confronting Fury's father and trainer, Peter Fury, who later stated: "I want my son to win a world title with no hidden agendas."
I'm waiting to see if Mr. Parker's team have any serious objections.
"We've been asked to consider changing the official," BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith told Sky Sports on Tuesday. "But I need to speak to Mr. Higgins before I confirm anything or change anything.
"We want valid reasons why we should do it and, at the moment, I haven't received anything from Mr. Parker's camp.
"Mr. Higgins should call me today, and I will hopefully have it wrapped up later [on Tuesday].
"I'm waiting to see if Mr. Parker's team have any serious objections."
Last week the BBBofC stated: "We take on board what their thoughts are, we don't agree. We feel on this occasion, there is no need to deviate from our standard policy [of using a British referee]."
The referee will definitely be a British representative if O'Connor is replaced for the fight, it was confirmed. O'Connor has overseen Fury's last two fights.
Parker's promoter Higgins explained his irate showing at Monday's press conference to Sky Sports.
"I was angry because Peter Fury agreed to a neutral referee, the contract states that," Higgins said.
"Of course the fight is going ahead and I have got nothing against the Furys, I just want a fair fight."
Watch Luke Campbell challenge for Jorge Linares' world title on Sunday morning at 2am, live on Sky Sports Main Event & Action.
