‘It’s dead’ – Joe Joyce versus Joseph Parker ‘not happening’ after Kiwi signed with Sky Sports, says promoter Warren

FRANK WARREN says there is no chance Joe Joyce will fight Joseph Parker.

Joyce, 36, faces Christian Hammer tonight but he was initially scheduled to take on Parker.

But the Kiwi did not have his trainer Andy Lee available and now a future bout is no longer on the cards due to Parker signing with Boxxer and Sky Sports.

Warren, whose fighters appear exclusively on BT Sport, has now ruled out a potential fight.

Warren said at the Joyce-Hammer press conference: "You're flogging a dead horse. We're talking about Saturday.

"Joe Parker's not happening, end of story. He walked away and signed with Sky. It's dead.

"He (Joyce) is the number one, not Joe Parker. Who gives a monkey's? He's an opponent for us; he comes from New Zealand, with the biggest respect for people coming from overseas.

"He (Joyce) is the British guy; that's all we're interested in.

"He wants the fight, it was there for him to have, and it still is, but it's not going on any other channel, end of story. Let them get on with it.

"Obviously they signed Joseph Parker to replace Anthony Joshua on Sky, and that's their choice. We are where we are, and all he needs to focus on is one thing: Saturday night."

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Warren has the power to choose Joyce's next opponent as the Brit is the No 1 contender for the WBO belt held by Oleksandr Usyk.

So if Joyce beats Hammer as expected he could have a world title showdown with Usyk or Anthony Joshua.

First that pair will face each other in their rematch on August 20 as AJ looks to regain his world titles once again.