The boxing world is on edge this week as it awaits the first of the new year’s major fight announcements in what could be another huge year for the sport.

If 2017 was a big year for boxing, Anthony Joshua certainly played his part for the sport’s continued growth with two back to back sell out stadium events, with ginormous attendances not rivalled anywhere in world boxing.

This week looks to be the week that the announcement of a fight with WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker will be made official.

Joshua has said on Twitter that to hold your breath and prepare shortly for news:

https://twitter.com/anthonyfjoshua/status/950862410470051840

Perhaps he’ll shock everybody and announce Tyson Fury or WBC champion Deontay Wilder. In reality it’s Parker.

A unification fight in the heavyweight division that will be welcomed everywhere.

The bones of the deal were probably done weeks ago but it is understood Parker’s promoter travelled to the UK this week to put the final touching on the deal and sign it. To make it official.

Odds makers are currently giving Parker little to no chance in the fight. But perhaps a little unwisely so.

Parker will come in-built for speed to try to take Joshua the distance and into the late rounds. Don’t write him off totally.