WBO title

The Matchroom boss will be watching on with envy from the UK, with a healthy crowd expected to watch the former amateur rivals square off in the pro ranks at Spark Arena on Saturday.

Hearn, who has continued to run shows in Britain behind closed doors, warned Parker that fighting throughout the pandemic has thrown up several interesting results, and he wouldn’t be completely surprised if the undefeated Fa managed to pull off an upset.

However, if Parker is serious about getting back in the title conversation, he simply has to deliver a knockout.

Parker's immediate fighting future appears to be in the UK where he and his handlers want to cash in on the blossoming heavyweight boxing scene.

A delayed mandatory challenge from Hughie Fury for the WBO title or a tangle with pumped up British cruiserweight Tony Bellew loom as the most likely options.

USA today sports reports America's WBC champion Deontay Wilder is desperate to fight Joseph Parker.

Parker signalled at the weekend he was on his way, tweeting: "See you soon Great Britain".