TYSON FURY has been trading body blows with heavyweight pal Joseph Parker ahead of his next fight.
The pair were captured sparring to the midriff in Fury’s Morecambe gym, while the WBC champion remains in talks to fight Dillian Whyte.
Also in the ring was ex-New Zealand rugby star and 8-0 heavyweight Sonny Bill Williams, 36, training with Olympian David Nyika, 26.
Fury, 33, formed a friendship with Parker, 29, after the former WBO belt holder beat his cousin Hughie, 27, in 2017.
And the Gypsy King even helped the Kiwi link up with coach Andy Lee, with the duo since recording two wins over Derek Chisora, 38.
Lee has also been an assistant trainer to Fury recently, for his pair of knockouts over rival Deontay Wilder, 36.
Since then, he has been ordered by the WBC into a mandatory title defence against Whyte, 33.
But the challenger has only been given a 20 per cent share of the potential earnings if the deal goes to purse bids.
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Whyte has since appealed, believing due to his ‘interim’ title he is owed 45 per cent.
With a deal unlikely to be agreed by opposing promoter, it is set to go to purse bids, meaning the highest offer will stage the fight.
Fury’s promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren have revealed March 26 as a potential date for their man to return.
But Whyte’s backer Eddie Hearn doubts it can be that soon, possibly expecting even a two month delay.
Hearn told the BBC: “People keep talking about March dates – that’s starting to look unrealistic for a fight of this magnitude.
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“Either March, April, early May potentially. This is the window for the fight. Depends what happens this week.
“There are so many conversations going on behind the scenes right now. Something could turn at any moment.”
Hearn also confirmed Whyte WILL accept a 20 per cent cut if necessary, despite his appeal to receive a more profitable slice.
He said: “Looks like Dillian Whyte will definitely get his shot at the WBC title, but we have to fight for his rights and make sure it’s fair.
“It’s not going to stand in the way of the fight.”
