Joseph Parker Plans Ambitious Comeback in September: Who Will Be the Next Opponent After the Impressive Winning Streak?

In a significant development in the heavyweight division, Joseph Parker will not step into the ring again until after the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, scheduled for July 19 at Wembley Stadium. The decision comes after Parker’s path to a world title shot was temporarily paused due to unforeseen circumstances surrounding Dubois earlier this year.

Title Opportunity Delayed for Parker

Earlier in 2025, the New Zealander appeared poised to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title. The fight was expected to take place in February, but a sudden illness forced Dubois to withdraw, leaving Parker without an opponent and fans without a marquee matchup.

Now, Parker finds himself in a strategic holding pattern. With the WBO placing him in the mandatory challenger position, his next steps are dependent on the outcome of the Usyk vs Dubois rematch.

WBO Grants Exception for Usyk-Dubois Rematch

Though Parker holds interim champion status with the WBO, the sanctioning body has made a one-time exception to their mandatory defense rule. This allows Usyk and Dubois to settle unfinished business in a blockbuster sequel. According to promoter Frank Warren, this was a necessary move given the scale of the upcoming showdown.

“I spoke with Joseph and his team and he will fight again in September,” Warren told talkSPORT’s Fight Night.
“We will then wait and see the outcome of the rematch between Usyk and Dubois.”

Why Parker Is in Prime Position

Despite the delay, Joseph Parker remains in a strong position. As interim WBO champion, he is guaranteed a title shot. Should the winner of Usyk vs Dubois choose to vacate the belts afterward, Parker will automatically be elevated to full world champion status.

“He is the interim champion so he is in a good position,” Warren continued.
“He can fight for the four belts or if the winner vacates, he becomes world champion.”

This calculated wait could ultimately pay dividends for Parker, who stands just one fight away from the biggest moment of his career.

Joseph Parker’s Career Resurgence Since 2022

Since his tough TKO loss to Joe Joyce in September 2022, Joseph Parker has looked better than ever. The 33-year-old has put together an impressive six-fight win streak, establishing himself once again as a serious contender in the heavyweight landscape.

His recent wins read like a who’s who of the division’s most feared fighters:

• ✅ Martin Bakole (TKO): A late-notice replacement for Dubois, Bakole was previously seen as a “boogeyman” of the division.

• ✅ Deontay Wilder (UD): Parker outboxed the former WBC champion in a dominant showing.

• ✅ Zhilei Zhang (MD): A statement win over the Chinese powerhouse further cemented Parker’s elite status.

These victories have elevated Parker’s stock dramatically. Not only is he winning, but he’s doing so against top-tier opposition in convincing fashion.

Daniel Dubois Still Interested in Parker Fight

Although Parker is now focused on the winner of Usyk vs Dubois, there’s still lingering interest in a Dubois vs Parker matchup. The two were originally slated to face off, and according to Dubois himself, that fight could still happen—win or lose.

“I want to reschedule that fight with Parker. It was a setback not being able to face him in February, but I’m open to it,” said Dubois.

Should Dubois defeat Usyk, Parker might finally get his wish in a massive world title showdown later in 2025.

Usyk’s Future Could Complicate Parker’s Path

The wildcard in this scenario remains Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian legend, who currently holds the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, has been vocal about his long-term plans—and they may not include Parker.

In a recent interview, Usyk stated:

“Right now my focus is on Daniel Dubois. But for my last fight, I have two options: Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. I’d like Tyson Fury.”

This comment suggests Usyk is not only considering retirement after one final mega-fight, but that his final opponent could be one of his longtime rivals—not Joseph Parker.

If Usyk beats Dubois and then vacates the titles in pursuit of Fury, Parker may be automatically elevated to world champion, albeit without the satisfaction of winning the belts in the ring.

Frank Warren’s Master Plan for September

Promoter Frank Warren has made it clear that Parker will not fight again until September, after the dust settles from Usyk vs Dubois II. This strategic move allows Parker to rest, prepare, and target a unification or title elevation, depending on how the heavyweight picture reshapes.

Warren said:

“Joseph has done everything right. He’s waited patiently, stayed active, beaten top contenders. We owe it to him to make sure his next fight is for something big—hopefully, all four belts.”

This statement reinforces the belief that Parker is next in line, regardless of what happens at Wembley on July 19.

Wembley Awaits: Usyk vs Dubois Rematch Details

The upcoming Usyk vs Dubois rematch is set to be one of the biggest fights of the year. After their controversial first bout—which many felt ended prematurely due to a disputed low blow—both fighters are eager to settle the score definitively.

The rematch will take place at Wembley Stadium, drawing a massive crowd and global attention. A victory for either man will have immediate implications for Parker, who will be watching closely from the sidelines.

What’s at Stake for Parker in September

If Usyk wins and retires, Parker could be elevated to full WBO champion and possibly fight for additional vacant titles.

If Dubois wins, Parker may finally get the grudge match he’s been chasing all year, this time with undisputed implications.

If neither holds the belts post-fight due to vacating, Parker might be in line for a mega-fight against another top contender like Anthony Joshua, Filip Hrgovic, or Andy Ruiz Jr.

No matter what, the stakes have never been higher for Joseph Parker.

Conclusion: The Waiting Game for Glory

While the wait until September may feel frustrating for fans eager to see Joseph Parker back in action, it’s a strategic masterstroke from his team. Positioned as the interim WBO champion, Parker is now just one fight or decision away from achieving undisputed heavyweight gold—or at the very least, a full title reign.

With Usyk and Dubois set to clash again, and the world watching Wembley on July 19, Parker’s next move will depend entirely on how this massive showdown unfolds.

One thing is certain: Parker has done everything required to earn his shot—and come September, the heavyweight division could have a new king.