Joseph Parker, currently holding the interim WBO heavyweight title, recently spoke about the possibility of a bout with Oleksandr Usyk, the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF champion in the division.
Parker recounted a prior conversation with Usyk. “I once approached him and said, `You have two fights left; the next one will probably be Dubois, and for the last one, you have to fight me.` His response was simply, `No, no, no.`”
Parker suspects Usyk is focused on fights with larger financial incentives. “I believe Usyk is pursuing big money fights. I expect they`ll have a financially driven rematch with Dubois, and after that, he`s looking for either another fight with Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury.”
According to Parker, Usyk suggested he wait for a title opportunity until after his retirement. “He said something along the lines of: `Keep doing your thing, don`t worry; after I retire, you might get your chance to fight for the title.`”
Despite Usyk`s apparent reluctance, Parker is keen on the matchup. “I would gladly test my skills in a fight with Usyk,” Parker stated. “I believe that at this moment, he is the best heavyweight of our generation.”
It`s worth noting that Usyk is scheduled for a rematch against Daniel Dubois in London, UK, on July 19.
