Joseph Parker has issued a stark warning to Oleksandr Usyk as the unified heavyweight champion sets his sights on former WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Parker explained why Wilder’s power remains a threat, even after a turbulent run of results.
Just weeks ago, Parker appeared to be the man destined to face Usyk, holding the WBO Interim title and mandatory position. But his upset loss to Fabio Wardley not only cost him that opportunity, it also prompted Usyk to vacate the WBO belt entirely. Wardley was subsequently upgraded to full champion, while Usyk shifted his attention to legacy bouts rather than emerging contenders.
Parker believes that decision is rooted in Usyk’s desire to face only the established names of his era. “If he looks at Fabio Wardley, he is a new name or a name coming through,” Parker said. “He is a champion of the world now, but he is still one of the new crop and I think Usyk is saying that he wants to fight everyone who was dominating the heavyweight division in his time.”
With Usyk signalling Wilder as his preferred opponent, Parker cautioned that form alone cannot erase the American’s danger factor. Despite losing four of his last six fights, Wilder’s punch power, Parker insists, remains world-class. “Wilder will always have a chance,” he said. “He always has that big right hand that he possesses.”
For Parker, the outcome of Usyk-Wilder comes down to whether Usyk elects to stand and trade or rely on the movement and angles that have defined his undefeated career. “It’s all up to Usyk,” he added. “Does he want to stand there and get caught with the right hand or is he going to come out and showcase his boxing skills?”
The WBC has since confirmed that Usyk is permitted a voluntary defence, clearing the path for a showdown with Wilder and potentially marking Usyk’s first U.S. appearance since his heavyweight debut.
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