Following a string of impressive recent victories, Joseph Parker appears to be on a collision course with Oleksandr Usyk next year. The New Zealander`s trainer, Andy Lee, has shared his conviction that Parker has what it takes to overcome the dominant Ukrainian champion.
Parker, holding a professional record of 36 wins and 3 losses with 24 knockouts, first captured the vacant WBO heavyweight title in 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz via decision. He defended the belt twice before losing it to Anthony Joshua. A subsequent loss to Dillian Whyte saw Parker fall out of immediate title contention.
However, a six-fight winning streak led to an opportunity for the WBO Interim title against Joe Joyce in 2022, resulting in the first knockout loss of Parker`s career. Since then, Parker has once again amassed six consecutive victories, including significant wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Earlier this year, he was scheduled to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight world title, but Dubois withdrew due to illness.
Despite many believing Parker`s form merited a shot at Usyk`s unified heavyweight belts (Usyk`s record is 23-0, 14 KOs), Daniel Dubois is set to have a rematch with the champion this summer. Parker is expected to face the winner for the undisputed crown.
In an interview with Sky Sports, trainer Andy Lee stated he cannot recall a heavyweight contender in such remarkable form who hasn`t yet been granted an opportunity to fight for world honours. He listed Parker`s recent opponents – Wilder, Zhang, Martin Bakole, Simon Kean, Jack Massey – emphasizing that each performance has shown improvement. “I can’t recall a heavyweight that’s been in that type of form without getting a title fight. So, he’s earned it. He deserves it,” Lee commented.
Parker is likely to compete in an interim bout while patiently awaiting his chance at the sport`s most prestigious prize. Lee expressed strong confidence in Parker`s potential success against Usyk, should the fight materialise. “I think [Parker] beats Usyk. I know why Joseph can win this fight. He just needs the chance to prove it,” Lee asserted. He added, “For me Joseph deserves the fight, he’s earned it and he’s the biggest challenge out there for Usyk.”
Should Daniel Dubois manage to upset Usyk, it is presumed Parker would then fight Dubois for the undisputed heavyweight title. However, Usyk might potentially invoke a clause to force a third fight against Dubois.
