Fresh off a decisive victory, Oleksandr Usyk stands atop the heavyweight division as its undisputed monarch. Yet, the question of “who`s next” is not merely speculative; for Joseph Parker`s camp, it`s a matter of boxing`s fundamental principles and a rightful ascent to the throne.
Following his commanding fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois at Wembley, Oleksandr Usyk reaffirmed his status as a multi-division undisputed champion. His post-fight musings included a list of potential future opponents: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua (both vanquished twice), Derek Chisora, and notably, Joseph Parker. While Usyk might entertain the idea of revisiting past glories, the immediate and most legitimate challenge appears to be emanating from New Zealand.
The Unanimous Demand: Parker`s Time Has Arrived
David Higgins, Joseph Parker`s outspoken promoter, has wasted no time in asserting his fighter`s claim. According to Higgins, Usyk`s legacy as the “greatest heavyweight of this era” remains incomplete until he confronts and conquers Parker. This isn`t just promotional bluster; it`s a strategic declaration rooted in mandated challenges and a fighter`s undeniable trajectory.
“The whole world wants to see Parker fight for a world title,” Higgins emphatically stated. “He`s been in the queue for a long time. He`s a frontrunner. He`s mandatory with the WBO. I think it would be an outrage if he didn`t get the shot. It`s not really fair.”
This sentiment is echoed by influential figures within the sport, including Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions and even boxing legend Lennox Lewis, all aligning on the undeniable logic: Parker is the mandatory challenger for Usyk`s WBO belt, and the fight has reportedly been ordered. To bypass such a clear directive, particularly for rematches against already-defeated opponents, would, as Higgins suggests, be “silly.” One might even call it an administrative slight, given the diligent adherence to sanctioning body protocols typically demanded from champions.
Joseph Parker`s Resurgence: A Formidable Contender
Joseph Parker`s current standing is not merely a product of bureaucratic decree; it`s the result of a remarkable resurgence and a series of high-stakes victories that have reshaped his career. After facing an illness-induced withdrawal from a scheduled IBF title defense against Daniel Dubois earlier this year, Parker swiftly pivoted, stopping Martin Bakole and subsequently demonstrating career-best form.
His recent triumphs over power-puncher Deontay Wilder and the formidable Zhilei Zhang have proven his elite status and adaptability. These are not merely wins; they are statements. Parker, a former world champion himself, has consistently stepped into the ring against formidable, often feared, opponents, frequently as the underdog, and emerged victorious. His record now boasts wins over a roster of heavyweights that few others can match, including Andy Ruiz Jr. and, as mentioned, Wilder and Zhang. This veteran savvy, combined with a seemingly continuous improvement, makes him a threat Usyk has yet to navigate.
Higgins paints a picture of a fighter who is “just getting better and better every fight,” someone who is “not over-awed at all” by the prospect of facing the division`s pound-for-pound king. This confidence is not unfounded; it`s built on a foundation of overcoming significant challenges.
The Legacy Conundrum for Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk, at 38, has hinted at a limited number of fights remaining in his illustrious career. If Dubois was the penultimate act, then the final dance holds immense significance for his enduring legacy. While the allure of a trilogy bout with Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua remains a commercial draw, the purity of a mandatory defense against a highly credible, in-form challenger like Parker offers a different kind of validation.
For Usyk to genuinely cement his place as the undisputed greatest heavyweight of his era, he must conquer all legitimate threats. Parker, as the WBO`s top contender and a veteran who has consistently proven his mettle against the division`s elite, represents precisely that kind of challenge. Sidestepping him would leave a lingering asterisk, however small, on an otherwise immaculate record.
The Path Forward: Inevitable or Vacant?
Queensberry chief Frank Warren`s stance reinforces the inevitability of this matchup. Despite Tyson Fury`s understandable desire for a rubber match, Warren concedes that “the fight has been ordered” and that “Joe deserves it.” The implication is clear: Parker`s claim is sanctioned, legitimate, and takes precedence over purely commercial considerations. Should the fight not materialize for any reason, Warren suggests Parker would likely contest for a vacant title, a strong indicator of his recognized position within the WBO hierarchy.
As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, the narrative around Usyk`s next move becomes increasingly focused. While the echoes of past rivalries may tempt, the compelling case for Joseph Parker is not merely a promoter`s plea but a logical imperative. For Usyk`s legacy, and for the integrity of the sport`s championship structure, the path ahead leads directly to New Zealand`s finest.
Murray Blackwood