Joseph Parker, currently holding the interim WBO heavyweight title, has openly expressed his strong desire to step into the ring with the division`s reigning unified champion, Oleksandr Usyk. While Usyk is widely regarded as the man to beat in the heavyweight ranks, Parker is not shy about wanting to be the one to test that status.
Speaking recently, Parker recounted a direct, albeit brief, conversation with the Ukrainian maestro regarding a potential future encounter. Parker revealed he directly approached Usyk in the past, proposing a potential clash within Usyk`s perceived timeframe before potential retirement or a shift in his career focus.
According to Parker, Usyk`s response was notably direct and perhaps a touch dismissive. “He was like, `No, no, no,`” Parker stated, recounting Usyk`s apparent reluctance. Usyk reportedly suggested Parker might get his chance only after Usyk`s own career concludes, essentially telling the New Zealander to wait his turn indefinitely or until the top spot was vacated.
Parker interprets Usyk`s stance not as an avoidance of the challenge itself, but rather as a strategic focus on financially larger opportunities currently available or on the horizon. “I think Usyk wants fights for big money,” Parker speculated. He believes Usyk is likely prioritizing a potential highly lucrative financial rematch with Daniel Dubois – a fight already scheduled for July 19th in London – followed by the potentially enormous paydays against either former two-time champion Anthony Joshua or the perpetually relevant Tyson Fury. It seems Usyk`s business plan for the twilight of his career involves maximum revenue generation from established rivalries or blockbuster matchups.
Despite the apparent brush-off and Usyk`s packed potential schedule centered around other major names, Parker remains resolute in his ambition to face the undisputed (well, almost – minus the IBF belt currently) heavyweight king. “I would gladly test my skills in a fight with Usyk,” Parker affirmed, making his intentions clear.
Parker didn`t shy away from acknowledging Usyk`s current standing in the sport, offering high praise while simultaneously issuing a challenge. “I believe that at this moment he is the best heavyweight of our generation,” Parker stated. This mix of respect for Usyk`s technical prowess and a clear declaration of readiness highlights Parker`s position: he sees Usyk as the pinnacle and wants the opportunity to prove himself against him.
So, while Joseph Parker stands ready and eager to test himself against the man he calls the best of his generation, the path to a clash with Oleksandr Usyk appears, for now, to be blocked by Usyk`s pursuit of other major paydays and his immediate contractual commitment to the rematch with Daniel Dubois. Parker might have to wait, but his intent is firmly on record.
