Heavyweight Hughie Fury, the younger cousin of Tyson Fury, is set to challenge for the World Boxing Organisation heavyweight crown against champion Joe Parker with the two teams negotiating the venue for the fight, which is expected to be on April 8, 2017.

The 22-year-old, unbeaten in 20 contests, and holder of the WBO Inter-Continental title is in light training in Cannes over the Christmas and New Year period, and has told The Daily Telegraph that he also has an option to fight World Boxing Council champion Deontay Wilder in 2017. "My next fight will be for a world title," said Fury. "I'm just waiting for my team to work on the deals."

Parker's promoters, Duco Events, who have entered into a co-promotional deal with veteran US promoter Bob Arum, are adamant that they want Parker to defend the belt in Auckland, where the Samoan claimed the world title eleven days ago with a points victory over Andy Ruiz, becoming the first boxer from his country to be crowned as a heavyweight champion.

Adding to the heavyweight chess board as the pieces fall into position for 2017, the WBO yesterday installed Londoner David Haye as its No 1 contender, meaning that Haye will most likely face the April 8 winner, in the UK in July.