As BoxingScene.com previously reported, there are early negotiations taking place to match former heavyweight champions Joseph Parker and Lucas Browne in August in New Zealand.

Parker's manager David Higgins is working with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing to put together a card with a scaled down crowd, which depends on the restrictions during that period with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

At the moment, Higgins views Browne as the most viable option.

The event, as reported, would be used to assist with the launch of the DAZN streaming app in New Zealand.

In terms of the candidates, Browne has the biggest name and the best record of opponents.

"In our part of the world, the most experienced heavyweight possibility for Joe is probably Lucas Browne," Higgins told Sky Sports. "If you read his record, his losses have been to very good fighters.

"He's a guy that probably deserves a shot. You've got other guys like Junior Fa, guys in Australia, but they haven't fought nearly as good opponents as Lucas and they're not as experienced. We've had early stage discussions with a few parties, and I can tell you this, I think there might be a deal there (with Browne)."

Higgins will get word next week if he can move forward with putting the event together. The aim is to stage a card with no more than a 100 fans in attendance.

"We're blessed to have a wonderful promotional partner in Matchroom, who indicated the other day that they'd provide their blessing and support to look at doing an event in the New Zealand bubble," said Higgins.

"Matchroom said yes, do some due diligence, so right now in partnership with Matchroom we're doing due diligence on a possible Joseph Parker fight in August in New Zealand.

"Location is sort of a bit further down the track. In the check list, safety first. Got to make sure that everyone is safe and that we fit with government regulations, then it's a matter of, is it economically viable?"