Interim WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has openly expressed his strong desire for a showdown with the division`s unified king, Oleksandr Usyk. While the New Zealander is ready to step into the ring, he acknowledges the complex landscape of top-tier boxing and Usyk`s current focus on other high-stakes engagements.
Speaking recently, Parker recounted a direct conversation with the Ukrainian champion. Approaching Usyk, Parker laid out his case for a potential fight, suggesting a timeline after Usyk`s anticipated bouts. However, the response, according to Parker, was a polite but firm deferral, hinting at a focus beyond Parker for the immediate future.
Parker interprets Usyk`s stance as a strategic prioritization of “big money” opportunities. He believes Usyk`s path involves a financially significant rematch – likely referring to the upcoming bout with Daniel Dubois – followed by potential blockbuster clashes against former champions like Anthony Joshua or the formidable Tyson Fury. These are the fights that command massive pay-per-view numbers and global attention.
In a moment that perhaps contained a touch of pragmatic irony, Parker recalls Usyk suggesting he “do his thing” and assuring him that a title opportunity might arise “after I retire,” a timeline that might test the patience of a hungry contender eager to reach the summit of the division *now*.
Despite the current roadblock, Parker remains unequivocal in his desire for the fight. He stated he “would gladly test my skills in a fight with Usyk,” highlighting the challenge the champion presents. Furthermore, Parker holds Usyk in the highest regard, unequivocally calling him “the best heavyweight of our generation,” a significant compliment from a fellow elite competitor.
Usyk`s immediate focus remains his scheduled rematch against Daniel Dubois, set to take place on July 19th in London, UK. This engagement naturally occupies Usyk`s attention, leaving potential matchups with contenders like Parker on hold as the heavyweight hierarchy continues to unfold.
For Parker, the path to a unified title shot means continuing to perform at a high level and waiting for the stars – and the business side of boxing – to align, hoping his opportunity against the man he rates as the best arrives sooner rather than later.
