Cojanu Steps in to Face Parker

Last week it was announced that Joseph Parker was in need of a opponent for his heavyweight title defense, as Hughie Fury was forced out of the fight with an injury.

Now it appears Parker has found an opponent, as he will fight Razvan Cojanu in the first defense of his WBO title.

Boxing Scene reported the fight was set earlier today, and the bout is expected to be announced in New Zealand soon.

The fight will take place on May 6 at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.

Cojanu (16-2, 9 KOs) was a training partner of Parker’s as the Kiwi champion was preparing for Fury. The California heavyweight is 3-0 since suffering a knockout loss to Donovan Dennis two years ago. He beat Grover Young by split decision in January of 2016.

Parker (22-0, 18 KOs) won the WBO belt in December, beating Andy Ruiz by majority decision in New Zealand. The belt had become vacant when Tyson Fury stepped away from the sport to deal with personal issues.

WBC champion Deontay Wilder recently challenged Parker when news broke that Hughie Fury was dropping out of the fight, but a unification bout will not be in the cards, at least in the near future.