After Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Daniel Dubois in July, the excitement and desire to be close to the undisputed heavyweight champion were unleashed.
Officials, dignitaries, promoters and even, surprisingly, Jake Paul, joined the celebration. However, one of them had a compelling reason to confront the new champion.
Joseph Parker: The Challenger in the Shadows
Joseph Parker, with respect, told the Ukrainian: “I am next”, although the response was brief. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) ordered Usyk to defend his title against the interim champion.
Parker, after a series of resounding victories, had earned the right to fight against Usyk. However, an injury to Usyk and his request for more recovery time left Parker in an uncertain situation.
The New Zealand boxer, in one of his best moments, was looking to seize the opportunity. Names like Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole fell to Parker, the latter by knockout in the second round in February.
Parker’s success rekindled his dream of becoming a two-time heavyweight champion. In the absence of Usyk, Parker decided to take action.Joseph Parker obtuvo una victoria contundente sobre Deontay Wilder en diciembre de 2023.The solution was a showdown with the undefeated and powerful Fabio Wardley in London. A victory would position Parker for a fight with Usyk, although Wardley is a dangerous rival.
“I think getting the victory definitely puts you more in that position,” Parker said. “But whether you’re going to get it or not is another story altogether. The best approach to this fight is to go out and enjoy it. And when you have fun, everything flows well, flows better, and you can get the job done and fulfill your duty.”
Joseph ParkerParker also points out that, while bodies can order fights and promoters can make big announcements, there is one man who is in control in the heavyweight division.
“All these promoters can say ‘you know what, whoever wins this fight is next and whoever does this is next’, but they don’t really have control,” Parker says from experience. “Usyk is the one who really shows that he has control.”Parker venció fácilmente a Martin Bakole en febrero.If Parker defeats Wardley, Usyk could be forced to fight him if he wants to compete in the first part of 2026, as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury seem like unrealistic options until later in the year.
However, it’s a considerable risk. Parker is in a situation where he must win to aspire to be a two-time world champion. Fortunately, he has recent experience against boxers with great power.
In Wardley’s case, his power was demonstrated against Huni, whom he knocked out in the tenth round.Fabio Wardley logró un gran nocaut sobre Frazer Clarke en su revancha en octubre de 2024Wardley, after the fight with Huni, stated: “I don’t pretend to be like Usyk… someone with all the skills. But there’s something I do know how to do: win.”
This matchup promises to be an intriguing clash. It could cost Parker the opportunity to face Usyk or leave the Ukrainian with no other option but to fight him.
