Anthony Joshua may avoid a rematch with Joseph Parker, according to the New Zealand fighter’s promoter.
Parker and Joshua fought back in 2018, with the Briton becoming unified champion with a win on points.
However the pair of them remain in contention in high-level boxing, and a rematch could make sense for both fighters.
Joshua ultimately lost back-to-back fights with Oleksandr Usyk, and used 2023 to rebuild, finishing at the Day of Reckoning with a brutal stoppage of Otto Wallin.
Parker fought in the preceding fight, emerging as a convincing winner against Deontay Wilder, scuppering plans for Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder next year.
There is a logic to Joshua facing off with Parker once more given their respective victories, but both of them continue to be linked to various options for their next fight, in 2024.
Parker has 'earned' a rematch with Joshua, but the British star may avoid this 'high risk' fight, says the New Zealander's promoter David Higgins.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Higgins thinks the fight has merit.
"Joseph has earned that fight in my opinion and the Saudis would see merit in Parker against Anthony Joshua," he said.
"It might not be next, there might be a bit more work to do but I think that's the fight fans want to see. It's a merit-based fight.
"In terms of opponents, Joseph will fight anyone and if you look at all the names on his resume from Derek Chisora twice, Joe Joyce, Joshua, Wilder, Dillian Whyte, the list goes on and he's still only 31-years-old.
"We'll fight Anthony Joshua in a heartbeat. Everyone knows Joseph will fight him next but I am not sure that's an option. We'll obviously look at any option and see what comes forward.
"I can't speak for their [Anthony Joshua] team, but they are probably trying to rebuild to a point and have a big fight against the likes of Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk."
Higgins continued: "Maybe Joseph, especially after the way he handled his business with Wilder, is probably seen as high risk.
"For me, it was the best performance of Joseph's career.”