Joseph Parker and the Bold Plan: Negotiating for the ‘Real Main Event’

Joseph Parker, the former world heavyweight champion, has found himself once again navigating the frustrating, often murky waters of professional boxing politics. After being denied a world title shot that many felt was imminent, Parker is now in negotiations for a major fight in the United Kingdom scheduled for September — a fight that could shape the next chapter of his career.

Why Joseph Parker Missed Out on a Title Shot

Earlier this year, Parker was set for a high-profile showdown against Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion. However, Dubois unexpectedly fell ill just before their scheduled bout in Dubai in February, forcing a cancellation that disrupted Parker’s momentum. This illness coincided with Oleksandr Usyk’s arrival in Riyadh to defend and unify his WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles, further shifting the heavyweight landscape.

With Dubois now set to face Usyk in a unification bout on July 20 at Wembley Stadium, Parker, who is ranked No. 2 by the WBO behind Usyk, finds himself once again waiting for another world title opportunity — potentially not until next year.

Negotiations Underway for Parker’s Next Big Fight

Parker’s team is currently exploring potential opponents in the UK, with several names being discussed. These include familiar rivals such as Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte, as well as former cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie.

David Higgins, Parker’s manager, told 1News:
“We’re in negotiations. At this stage all I can say is that it’s a big name. It’s a proper main event.”

The fight is being positioned as a significant event, promising plenty of intrigue and excitement for boxing fans.

The Possible Opponents: Pros and Cons

Derek Chisora: The Familiar Foe

At 41 years old, Derek Chisora is the oldest and perhaps least attractive opponent from a fan perspective. Parker has defeated Chisora twice before in Manchester in 2021. A third fight might lack the drama and stakes fans crave, making it a less desirable option.

Dillian Whyte: The Controversial Rival

A rematch against Dillian Whyte would spark more interest, especially given the history between the two. Whyte defeated Parker in controversial fashion in 2018 after an accidental head clash resulted in a knockdown ruling in Whyte’s favor. Parker fought back courageously and knocked Whyte down in the 12th round but ultimately lost by unanimous decision.

Whyte’s 2023 failed drug test, which was later cleared due to contaminated supplements, adds another layer of intrigue to this potential rematch. Parker has expressed a willingness to seek revenge, which could make this one of the more compelling heavyweight fights on the horizon.

Lawrence Okolie: The Rising British Contender

At 32, Lawrence Okolie is a former cruiserweight world champion transitioning successfully to heavyweight. Ranked as the fourth-best heavyweight in the UK behind Dubois, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua, Okolie boasts a professional record of 21-1. A fight against Okolie offers Parker a credible challenge against a rising star but might not have the marquee value of a bout against Whyte or Joshua.

Could Anthony Joshua Be Parker’s Next Opponent?

The most tantalizing name among Parker’s potential opponents is undoubtedly Anthony Joshua — the boxer who took Parker’s WBO world title in Cardiff back in 2018.

Joshua, who has been inactive since his stunning loss to Dubois at Wembley last September, is back in training and reportedly looking to get back into the ring soon. A fight between Joshua and Parker would undoubtedly be a “proper main event”, as Higgins described, and would attract significant attention worldwide.

However, it would also be a risky move for Parker, who currently boasts a six-fight winning streak, including a memorable second-round knockout of Martin Bakole, Dubois’ late replacement. Joshua, meanwhile, has seen his stock fall after losing his world title to Oleksandr Usyk and suffering a brutal knockout defeat to Dubois.

Joshua’s Recent Struggles and What It Means for a Parker Fight

After losing to Usyk twice, Joshua had briefly regained momentum with a four-fight winning streak. This run featured an impressive first-round knockout of UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou, showcasing Joshua’s power and athleticism.

But the fight against Dubois exposed Joshua’s vulnerabilities. Dubois dropped him four times in five rounds, culminating in a right cross that left Joshua stunned and marked the most decisive loss of his career.

Given this context, Joshua might seek a less challenging opponent for his comeback fight than Parker, who is known for his toughness and never backs down from a fight.

What’s Next for Joseph Parker?

As Parker’s camp weighs the options, the path forward is still uncertain but exciting. Whether facing off against a familiar foe like Whyte or Chisora, challenging a rising contender like Okolie, or going for the biggest name in Joshua, Parker is poised to remain a significant figure in the heavyweight division.

The heavyweight division itself is in flux, with Usyk, Dubois, Joshua, and Parker all playing critical roles. The battles Parker chooses will not only define his career but could also reshape the division’s landscape in the coming years.

Conclusion: Parker’s Journey Continues Amid Boxing’s Complex Landscape

Joseph Parker’s career reflects the complexities and unpredictability of professional boxing. Despite setbacks and missed title shots, he continues to pursue his place at the top of the heavyweight division with determination and resilience.

Fans can expect a high-stakes, high-profile fight this September in the UK, one that could set the tone for Parker’s return to title contention and possibly pave the way for future blockbuster bouts.

Whatever the outcome, Parker remains a fighter who thrives on challenges, and his next fight promises to be another chapter in an already compelling career.