Joseph Parker’s manager Spencer Brown has revealed that talks are already in motion for a potential clash with Oleksandr Usyk in April, should Parker emerge victorious against Fabio Wardley this weekend at London’s O2 Arena.
Parker has rebuilt himself impressively since his 2022 defeat to Joe Joyce, reestablishing his position among the division’s elite under trainer Andy Lee and strength coach George Lockhart. The New Zealander earned decisive victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, then blasted out Martin Bakole in two rounds earlier this year after a cancelled bout with Daniel Dubois. Now, with his WBO mandatory status secured, he risks it all against the dangerous Wardley, who comes off a dramatic tenth-round stoppage of Justis Huni.
Watch Parker vs. Wardley weigh-in highlights:
While Parker focuses on the task at hand, the path beyond is already taking shape. Usyk’s advisor Serhii Lapin recently confirmed the Ukrainian’s interest in facing the winner of Parker vs. Wardley. Brown echoed that sentiment, hinting that negotiations could soon begin and multiple host nations are in play. “Usyk just wanted a bit of time with his family, and now we’re ready to rock and roll,” Brown said. “It could be anywhere - America, England, Saudi Arabia, or even New Zealand. It all comes down to money.”
But first Parker needs to pass Wardley in today's bout! Read more here.
Image Credit: Sky Sports