Joseph Parker is weighing up his options after losing the WBO belt in a points defeat to Anthony Joshua in March but recent talk had distanced him from a return to the UK.

Parker's promoter David Higgins has suggested that despite being linked with taking on various big British heavyweights none of them on these shores are willing to risk a fight against the Kiwi. He told Sky Sports: "All of the people calling us out have all disappeared.

"I think they just wanted a gambling shot at the belt, but they saw how good Joseph looked, and I think he can be a lot better."

Tony Bellew had been touted as a potential foe for Parker and David Higgins has revealed that the 'Bomber' was being scouted as he inflicted a fifth-round stoppage on David Haye last weekend.

He said: "Joseph Parker and our team thought he looked really good, and slick. When you've got pop like that, he doesn't need to worry about retiring, he actually looked good.

"To earn respect or legacy, or to be thought of as a heavyweight, you've got to beat someone in their prime. I don't think Tony will do that, so he will go down as a brilliant cruiserweight with a big mouth."

"We're doing a lot of business behind the scenes. We've got a lot of options, a couple of contracts under draft. [Alexander] Ustinov probably would be considered in the mix, but there's options.

"We're even considering a long shot in the States, although we would rather conquer the UK first."

With options in the UK limited and talk of Bellew needing to prove he could beat a fighter in their prime it certainly seems that Parker's team are laying the foundations for a potential bout between the pair further down the line.

One obstacle to the whole affair, however, could be Bellew himself who in typical outspoken form has dismissed the option of a fight with Parker after he lost the WBO title. Bellew said: "If he still had that WBO belt I'd say yes, but he doesn't. So why?."