HEAVYWEIGHT SHOCKER! Usyk FORCED to Fight Parker – Is the Champ in Trouble?

Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has officially been ordered to face Joseph Parker next, following the WBO’s mandate.

The decision comes after Parker secured the WBO Interim Title in a grueling battle against Zhilei Zhang in March 2024. Initially, Parker was set to challenge IBF Champion Daniel Dubois in February 2025, but Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness. Parker, instead, fought and defeated Martin Bakole as a late replacement, keeping his interim status intact.

While Usyk has expressed a strong desire for a rematch with Dubois—aiming to reclaim his status as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion—the WBO’s ruling has now thrown a wrench into those plans.

Parker’s Team Welcomes the Fight: “It’s the Rules”

Parker’s longtime manager, David Higgins, spoke to the New Zealand Herald about the WBO’s decision, making it clear that this development was both expected and justified.

“This has happened because of the WBO rules. It appears that the WBO is seeking to enforce its regulations, meaning Usyk must give Joseph Parker a title shot since Parker has been their number one ranked contender for over a year.”

Higgins emphasized that this was a natural progression rather than a surprise.

“This is normal, and it was foreseeable. Sometimes backroom negotiations buy more time, but in this case, it looks like the WBO wants to stick to the rulebook. It’s fascinating to see how this plays out.”

A Game of Heavyweight Chess: What’s Next for Parker?

Parker’s team is in a strong position regardless of whether the Usyk vs. Dubois rematch still manages to take place. If negotiations allow Usyk to defend his undisputed status against Dubois first, Parker would be guaranteed a title shot immediately afterward.

Higgins expressed confidence in Parker’s readiness for either of the two champions.

“If it’s not the next fight, it’ll be the one after. We’re not panicking. In fact, these are exciting times for Joseph Parker. He’ll fight anyone, and given the roll he’s on and the form he’s in, he’s not worried about anyone.”

This statement reinforces Parker’s mentality as a fearless contender, ready to step into the ring against any elite opponent.

Is Parker Ready for Usyk? Breaking Down the Matchup

Should Usyk vs. Parker materialize next, it would be an intriguing stylistic clash. Usyk’s elite footwork, tactical brilliance, and relentless conditioning would be tested against Parker’s explosiveness, durability, and underrated technical skills.

Parker has been on the tear, reviving his career with impressive performances. His victories over Zhang and Bakole showcased his ability to adjust under pressure and grind out wins in tough fights.

However, Usyk remains one of the most technically gifted heavyweights of all time, having previously outclassed Anthony Joshua twice and most recently dominating Tyson Fury in their undisputed showdown.

Would Parker be able to handle Usyk’s relentless pace and precision counterpunching? Or would his power and resilience pose a serious threat to the Ukrainian champion?

What About Anthony Joshua? The Wild Card in the Mix

While the immediate focus is on Usyk vs. Parker, another major name looms in the background: Anthony Joshua.

Joshua, who recently scored a statement knockout victory over Filip Hrgović, is also in the title conversation. The former two-time heavyweight champion is looking to reclaim his place at the top, and many speculate he could be pushed into a fight with Parker if Usyk still manages to face Dubois first.

The heavyweight division is currently a tangled web of contenders, champions, and mandatory challengers, and the next few months could be crucial in shaping the future of boxing’s most prestigious division.

Parker’s Confidence: “I’ll Take the Fight in a Heartbeat”

Regardless of how the WBO ruling plays out, Parker’s message is loud and clear—he’s ready for anyone, anytime.

“If the Usyk fight was offered, he’d take it in a heartbeat. If Dubois was offered, he’d take it in a heartbeat.”

That level of determination and self-belief has been a driving force in Parker’s resurgence. Having previously held the WBO heavyweight world title, Parker is hungry to reclaim championship gold and prove that he belongs at the elite level.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for the Heavyweight Division

With the WBO’s order now in place, all eyes are on Usyk, Parker, Dubois, and Joshua to see how this high-stakes situation unfolds.

Will Usyk follow the WBO mandate and fight Parker next? Or will negotiations shift the landscape, allowing him to pursue the Dubois rematch first?

Parker’s Road to Redemption: From Setbacks to a Championship Run

Joseph Parker’s journey back to title contention has been nothing short of remarkable. Once seen as a rising force in the heavyweight division, Parker’s career hit a rough patch following losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. However, instead of fading into the background, he rebuilt himself, improving his conditioning, sharpening his skills, and displaying greater resilience in the ring.

His recent victories over Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole have proven that he is not just a dangerous contender—he is a legitimate threat to the division’s best. Parker’s ability to adapt under pressure, absorb big shots, and impose his own offensive strategy has been crucial in his resurgence.

Now, with a potential shot at Oleksandr Usyk, Parker has the chance to rewrite his legacy. If he pulls off an upset victory, he would become a two-time world champion, solidifying himself among the top heavyweights of this era.

The Big Question: Can Parker Shock the World?

While Parker’s recent form has been impressive, taking on Usyk is a different beast entirely. The Ukrainian champion’s high fight IQ, elite footwork, and precision counterpunching make him a nightmare matchup for most heavyweights. If Parker wants to win, he will need to close the distance effectively, land power shots early, and disrupt Usyk’s rhythm and movement.

Is this Parker’s moment of glory, or will Usyk continue his reign of dominance? One thing is certain—the heavyweight division is about to get a massive shake-up.

One thing is certain—Joseph Parker is ready, and his team is prepared to capitalize on any opportunity that comes next.