Usyk permanently rejects Joseph Parker: ‘He is not worth my time,’ the heavyweight champion stated!

Oleksandr Usyk has drawn a clear line in the sand when it comes to Joseph Parker, delivering a cold and final message that sent ripples through the boxing world. “He is not worth my time,” the Ukrainian heavyweight champion declared, effectively closing the door on any future bout with the New Zealander. In a sport where call-outs, hype, and promotional politics often keep dream fights alive, Usyk’s blunt dismissal is as rare as it is telling.

This move raises serious questions about Parker’s standing in the heavyweight division, and more importantly, what Usyk’s motivations are as he stares down the final chapters of his already legendary career. Is this rejection purely sporting, or is there a deeper strategic game being played?

Let’s break down what led to Usyk’s harsh stance, what it means for Parker’s career, and how this decision reshapes the current and future landscape of heavyweight boxing.

Joseph Parker’s Comeback Momentum Falls Short of Usyk’s Expectations

Joseph Parker’s journey since his loss to Joe Joyce in 2022 has been nothing short of impressive. The former WBO heavyweight champion has strung together a series of victories, including a defining win over Deontay Wilder in December 2023 that reignited his hopes of a title shot. After outboxing the hard-hitting American for 12 dominant rounds, many expected Parker to re-enter the title picture with full momentum.

However, Oleksandr Usyk appears unmoved by the Kiwi’s resurgence. According to Usyk’s recent comments, Parker’s past losses and lack of elite consistency are disqualifying factors. “He had his chance. He is not at my level. He is not worth my time,” Usyk stated during an interview in Kyiv.

This dismissal comes as a shock to Parker’s supporters, especially considering that his recent performances have silenced many critics. But Usyk seems to operate by a different standard—one that values more than just recent form.

Usyk’s team also echoed the sentiment, with his manager Egis Klimas suggesting that they’re focused on “legacy fights” and that Parker “brings nothing to the table” in that regard. In their eyes, the risk-to-reward ratio doesn’t justify engaging with Parker—even if the New Zealander now boasts a renewed reputation after toppling Wilder.

Usyk’s Vision: Legacy, Not Volume

While Parker might be knocking on the door, Usyk is clearly focused on battles that shape history, not rankings. As the undisputed heavyweight title fight with Tyson Fury looms, Usyk’s trajectory is locked in. If victorious over Fury, he will have achieved something no boxer has managed since Lennox Lewis: clear, unquestionable domination of the heavyweight division.

The Ukrainian champion has never been one to chase easy fights or padding bouts. From moving up after cleaning out the cruiserweight division to dethroning Anthony Joshua, and now potentially facing Fury, Usyk is strategically crafting a résumé built for the ages. In that context, Joseph Parker simply doesn’t elevate the narrative.

“Beating Parker doesn’t do anything for me,” Usyk said. “I fight to be remembered, not just to stay active.”

This laser focus on legacy means that fighters like Parker, despite their rise or marketability, may simply be left in the cold if they do not bring historical or competitive value. For Usyk, there’s a clear path: defeat Fury, possibly defend against top-tier contenders like Filip Hrgović or Zhilei Zhang, and then retire as an all-time great.

Parker Responds: ‘I’ve Fought Everyone – Don’t Hide Behind Legacy’

Never one to back down from a verbal exchange, Joseph Parker fired back following Usyk’s rejection. “I’ve fought everyone. If Usyk wants to talk about legacy, fine—but don’t hide behind it when a real challenge stands in front of you,” Parker said during a press event in Auckland.

Joseph Parker’s career has indeed been characterized by willingness. From fighting Anthony Joshua in Cardiff to standing toe-to-toe with Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce, Parker hasn’t ducked anyone. His call-out of Usyk wasn’t a marketing stunt—it was a genuine attempt to secure a high-level challenge.

Fans and pundits are divided on the issue. Some believe Usyk is right to prioritize fights with greater historical impact. Others argue that refusing to fight a top-five contender like Parker, especially one with recent wins over world-class opponents, could be seen as ducking competition under the guise of legacy protection.

“I respect Usyk,” Parker continued, “but if he’s serious about being undisputed and beating the best, I should be on that list. If he’s just looking for the biggest paycheck or the easiest road, then say that.”

The Bigger Picture: Usyk, Fury, and the Final Chapter

Usyk’s statement comes just weeks before his scheduled showdown with Tyson Fury on May 18, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That event is expected to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, and potentially the last before both men retire. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Should Usyk win, he will likely field challenges from mandatory contenders. However, with talks of retirement growing louder from his camp, it’s unclear how many more fights he has left. Parker, unfortunately for him, may have simply run out of time. The window for a Usyk fight may have closed before it ever truly opened.

There’s also speculation that if Usyk defeats Fury, he may look toward a massive international bout—perhaps against Canelo Álvarez, who has hinted at a heavyweight venture, or a rematch with a revitalized Anthony Joshua, depending on how things unfold in the British scene.

Whatever the next steps, it’s clear that Parker is not part of Usyk’s script.

Where Does Joseph Parker Go From Here?

Despite the cold shoulder, Joseph Parker’s resurgence cannot be ignored. He remains one of the top five heavyweights in the world and is coming off a career-best win against Wilder. The boxing world still sees value in Parker, and so do broadcasters, especially in the U.S. and Oceania.

If Usyk is permanently off the table, Parker may pivot toward other meaningful clashes. A rematch with Deontay Wilder, a clash with Daniel Dubois, or even a high-octane showdown with the winner of Hrgović vs. Zhang could be on the horizon.

Another intriguing option could be Anthony Joshua. The two previously fought in 2018 with Joshua winning by decision, but the current boxing climate and their respective comebacks could make a rematch a box-office hit.

And while Parker may be disappointed by Usyk’s words, he’s shown time and again that rejection fuels his ambition. His career has thrived in adversity, and this might only add to the fire.

Public Reaction: Fans and Analysts Weigh In

Usyk’s dismissal of Parker has sparked intense debate across social media and boxing forums. Some see it as a champion exercising his earned right to choose, while others believe it undermines the idea of open competition in elite boxing.

Prominent boxing analyst Mike Coppinger weighed in: “Usyk’s earned the right to chase legacy, but completely dismissing Parker—especially after Parker’s last win—feels unnecessarily harsh. At the very least, keep the door slightly ajar.”

Fans are also split. Some believe Parker should focus on fighting those willing to engage and not waste time chasing elusive matchups. Others hope Parker’s team can find a way to reignite negotiations and force the issue if Usyk’s plans shift.

Conclusion: A Respectful Snub or Strategic Statement?

Oleksandr Usyk’s rejection of Joseph Parker may appear cold, but it reflects the clarity of purpose that has defined his career. For Usyk, every fight must build toward greatness, not just paychecks or activity. Unfortunately for Parker, he doesn’t fit that criteria—at least not in the Ukrainian champion’s eyes.

While it stings to be dismissed as “not worth my time,” Parker’s career is far from over. If anything, this moment may sharpen his focus and push him to pursue even greater achievements that can’t be ignored.

For now, though, the message is clear: in Usyk’s world, there’s no room for distractions. The final legacy is in sight, and Parker is not part of the script.