‘Good options’ for Parker

Joseph Parker has other options as his proposed fight with British heavyweight Joe Joyce continues to hit complications.

Originally targeted for a July 2 date at London’s Wembley Arena, Joyce’s promoter Frank Warren is now looking at September.

It’s been a long haul of longdistance negotiations, going on since the end of last year, and the deal still isn’t done.

‘‘There is no deal, no contract signed,’’ Parker’s manager Higgins confirmed to Stuff yesterday.

With New Zealander Parker an elite level heavyweight boasting enviable rankings and now holding free-agent status, there is considerable interest in him.

‘‘There are other promoters chasing us hard with other good options,’’ Higgins said.

The Joyce fight still holds appeal and Higgins sensed a deal was close. But the terms would need to be right.

Joyce’s handlers have been wanting a multi-fight deal given the importance of the bout that will act as a WBO eliminator with No 1 ranked Joyce and No 2 Parker sitting behind champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Higgins said Parker, back in Auckland and maintaining his fitness levels after training with Tyson Fury at the WBC champion’s base in Morecambe, was a realist.

He had hoped for a deal in April, then May, then June to no avail. ‘‘You play the cards you are dealt . . . Joe’s not complaining,’’ Higgins said.