“No Parker?” – Usyk Snubs Joseph Parker, Reveals His Ideal Final Opponents

Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian boxing maestro and current unified heavyweight champion, has stirred the pot once again. In a recent interview, Usyk revealed his preferred final opponents, and surprisingly, Joseph Parker’s name was nowhere to be found. The omission has raised eyebrows across the boxing world, especially given Parker’s recent resurgence and positioning within the heavyweight rankings.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Career Nears Its Final Chapter

At 37 years old, Oleksandr Usyk has made it clear that his time in the ring is drawing to a close. After conquering the cruiserweight division and unifying the heavyweight titles, he stands on the verge of cementing his legacy. In a sport where legends are often defined by their final battles, Usyk’s choice of opponents matters more than ever.

During a media interaction this week, Usyk was asked about who he would like to face in the final fight of his illustrious career. Instead of naming Joseph Parker—who many saw as a natural contender—Usyk opted for two other names, leaving fans and pundits questioning the snub.

Usyk’s Surprising Choices: Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder

Usyk stated his intention clearly: if he could choose, his final two fights would be against Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. According to Usyk, facing Fury would give him the chance to become the undisputed heavyweight champion—a goal he has relentlessly pursued. A bout with Wilder, known for his knockout power, would provide the ultimate test of skill versus strength.

“To be undisputed and to face the most dangerous puncher—these are the fights that matter most,” Usyk said. His reasoning is understandable from a legacy standpoint. Fury vs. Usyk would crown an undisputed king of the heavyweights, while Wilder vs. Usyk promises fireworks between two drastically different styles.

Where Does That Leave Joseph Parker?

Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion from New Zealand, has recently re-emerged as a legitimate contender. With back-to-back wins over top opponents and a disciplined, refined approach in the ring, Parker has made a strong case for another title shot.

However, Usyk’s snub of Parker suggests that rankings and recent form may not be enough to earn a spot in boxing’s most coveted farewell tour. While Parker has the credentials, he may lack the marquee value or narrative appeal that Usyk seeks for his final bouts.

Some insiders believe that Parker’s style may not provide the type of legacy-defining moment Usyk desires. “It’s not about who’s next. It’s about what the world wants to see,” one promoter commented.

The Reaction From the Boxing Community

The boxing world reacted quickly to Usyk’s comments. Fans on social media expressed disappointment for Parker, with many citing his improvement and consistency. Meanwhile, others applauded Usyk’s clarity in pursuing high-stakes fights.

Former champion Carl Froch commented, “If Usyk wants to go out on top, Fury and Wilder make perfect sense. Parker is solid but doesn’t move the needle like those two.”

Yet, Parker’s team has remained professional. In a brief statement, Parker’s camp wished Usyk well but also emphasized that “Joseph is ready for any challenge and will earn his shot the hard way.”

Usyk vs. Fury: Still the Fight to Make

The long-awaited Usyk vs. Fury showdown is still pending. Multiple negotiations have fallen apart over financial disagreements, but there’s optimism that a deal will eventually be struck. With Usyk naming Fury as one of his preferred opponents, the pressure is back on both camps to finalize what could be one of the most historic fights in heavyweight history.

A win over Tyson Fury would make Usyk the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in the modern era—a distinction even legends like Lennox Lewis didn’t achieve under the current system.

Could Wilder Still Be in the Mix?

Deontay Wilder, despite recent setbacks, remains one of the most feared punchers in the division. A potential fight between Usyk and Wilder would generate massive global interest.

From a stylistic standpoint, it pits Wilder’s raw power against Usyk’s technical brilliance. It’s a classic boxer vs. puncher matchup, and Usyk seems to relish the danger.

Wilder has previously stated he’d welcome a fight with Usyk, calling him “a real warrior.” Should the Fury fight fall through again, Usyk vs. Wilder could serve as the perfect high-stakes alternative.

What’s Next for Joseph Parker?

While the Usyk snub stings, Joseph Parker’s career trajectory remains strong. He’s currently ranked in the top 5 by multiple sanctioning bodies and could soon find himself in a mandatory position.

Fights against contenders like Zhilei Zhang, Filip Hrgovic, or even Anthony Joshua could keep Parker in the spotlight. A strong win over any of these names would make it hard for anyone—including Usyk—to ignore him.

Some pundits believe that if Parker continues to dominate, a late-career showdown with Usyk could still materialize—especially if broadcast networks and fan interest demand it.

Legacy Over Convenience: Usyk’s Strategy

It’s clear that Usyk is chasing legacy, not convenience. In the final stage of his career, every fight must enhance his standing in the history books.

Fury and Wilder offer drama, storylines, and unmatched visibility. While Parker is respected, he may not fit the mold of the “epic farewell” opponents Usyk is envisioning.

As one analyst put it, “Usyk isn’t disrespecting Parker. He’s aiming higher—for history, for glory, and for boxing immortality.”

Conclusion: Parker Snubbed, But Far From Finished

Usyk’s recent comments have made one thing clear: his final fights will be chosen not based on convenience or rankings, but on legacy and spectacle. While Joseph Parker may not be part of that plan—at least for now—his journey is far from over.

With the heavyweight division constantly evolving, fortunes can change overnight. And if Parker keeps winning, even Usyk may have to reconsider who truly belongs in his last dance under the lights.

For now, all eyes are on Usyk, Fury, and Wilder. But don’t count Parker out—in boxing, redemption often comes when you least expect it.