Tyson Fury

The 26-year-old is not convinced the 6ft9 Briton offers much insight into the type of bout they can expect in Cardiff.

Speaking to Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes on RadioLIVE, Parker admits he appreciates the support, but is happy with the sparring partners they have assembled.

"Tyson Fury's a great guy, but with all due respect to him, I don't think it's the right person to spar because he moves around well for a big guy and he doesn't come forward, and he's a lot taller.

The BBBoC suspended Fury's licence in 2016 due to "anti-doping and medical issues" and the 29-year-old has not fought since defeating Wladimir Klitschko in a world title fight in November 2015.

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has accepted a backdated two-year doping ban, freeing him to fight again if he regains his boxing license.

Fury and cousin Hughie, who lost on points to Joseph Parker in September, had elevated levels of nandrolone in urine samples provided after fights in February 2015, UK Anti-Doping said. The bans were backdated to December 13, 2015, and expired at midnight on Tuesday.

The former world heavyweight champion has not fought since defeating Wladimir Klitschko for three of the four major belts in November 2015.

Fury is without a licence and is still awaiting the resumption of a UKAD hearing after allegations of anti-doping violations were made against him.

Asked by Sky Sports if the process will recommence next month, British Boxing Board of Control general secretary Robert Smith said: "December, that's true.

Fury has not fought since sensationally beating Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf two years ago to claim the IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles.

The 29-year-old gave up his belts last year amid a battle with mental health issues and had his licence revoked after allegations of a failed drugs test. 

British Boxing Board of Control general secretary Robert Smith said Fury's UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) hearing can resume when his legal team agree a date.

Higgins has engaged Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn in a verbal stoush after heavy criticism of Parker's recent laboured WBO title defence against Hughie Fury in Manchester.

Hearn said Parker's performance was "very poor" and meant he was a hard sell in the UK now with fans viewing the Kiwi as a "mismatch" against WBA and IBF champion Anthony Joshua.

Hearn felt Parker's effort had also devalued a potential clash with Tony Bellew, should Bellew get past David Haye in their juicy London rematch.

 Higgins is eager to make 2018 a major money year for his unbeaten champion.

Fury became IBF, WBO and WBA world champion when he shocked Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf in November 2015, but he has not boxed since, with his weight fluctuating wildly during his time away from the sport.

The Briton does not have a licence to fight and said this month he would not be applying to the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) for a renewal, while Fury was further enraged by the organisation after his cousin Hughie lost to WBO champion Joseph Parker in September.

Fury, who is currently awaiting a date for his UK anti-doping hearing, is planning his boxing comeback following two years out of the ring with a "mega fight" next summer.

The undefeated 29-year old has not fought since ending Wladimir Klitschko's heavyweight reign in November 2015 and last week stated he will not apply for a British Boxing Board of Control licence following his suspension.

Englishman Fury posted a message on social media on Wednesday (Thursday NZ time) which indicated he had fought for the last time. 

"Been very blessed in my life & career achieve the upmost in boxing, was an epic journey along the way. Thanks to all the fans that supported & believed in me along the way. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. THE END," Fury said on Instagram.

Fury defeated former heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko in November, 2015 and claimed the WBA, WBO and IBF titles in the process.

Joseph Parker may be fighting Tyson Fury's younger cousin but that has not stopped the former world heavyweight champion from taking aim at the Kiwi's UK-based critics.

Parker takes his first step towards cracking the lucrative British market when he puts his WBO heavyweight title on the line against Hughie Fury in Manchester on September 23. And it appears he has some convincing to do judging by the luke-warm reception he's received by some pundits in England.