Usyk was tired of facing the destroyer Joseph Parker. Parker is certainly not an easy opponent to deal with.

Oleksandr Usyk is no stranger to pressure, but the looming threat of Joseph Parker presents a unique kind of danger. Nicknamed the “Destroyer,” Parker has rediscovered his hunger, smashing through top contenders with renewed aggression and power. As Usyk eyes undisputed glory, he must now navigate the most unpredictable force in the heavyweight division—one that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t stall, and refuses to play by anyone else’s rules. The chess master meets the wrecking ball, and the question is no longer if they’ll collide, but how Usyk plans to survive the impact.

Why Usyk Is Wary of Facing Joseph Parker

When boxing’s undisputed heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk hears the word “mandatory” from the WBO, one name stands in his path: Joseph Parker. According to experts, Usyk seems hesitant—or perhaps even reluctant—to face Parker. It isn’t fear in the literal sense, but a calculated recognition that Joseph Parker is not a pushover.

Parker—dubbed “the Destroyer” by fans—holds a WBO interim title and a top‑2 ranking, with recent wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole, proving his resurgence. Usyk, while unbeaten and dominant (having just KO’ed Daniel Dubois to reclaim undisputed status), has yet to respond to WBO’s order, raising suspicions among boxing insiders.

Even Tyson Fury—himself twice beaten by Usyk—hailed Parker’s rise, arguing he deserves the mandatory shot over Dubois or other British contenders. The silence from Usyk’s camp has amplified speculation: perhaps Parker truly presents a stylistic nightmare for Usyk, or at least more risk than a guaranteed payday fight.

What Makes Joseph Parker So Dangerous

Physical Power and Resilience

At 6’4″ with a heavyweight frame, Parker brings real power—from his KO-heavy runs in early career to a tactical knockout over Wilder with crisp body shots and steady pressure. Notably, he has never been stopped in 39 professional bouts. Even upon facing pressure, Parker tends to absorb and endure rather than crumble.

Boxing Fundamentals and Adaptability

Against Anthony Joshua in their 2018 unification bout, Parker out‑maneuvered and stayed competitive across 12 rounds. Joshua ultimately won a UD, but Parker’s movement and jab/combination game showed unusual composure amidst elite power. Similarly, his fights vs. Zhang and Wilder displayed game planning, pace control, and the ability to attack using angles and feints.

Fans and analysts on Reddit argue that Parker’s mental strength and tactical nous may be underrated—unlike Dubois, Parker can adjust mid‑fight and cut his output intelligently, demanding respect in the ring.

Mandatory Status and Recent Form

With the WBO ordering Usyk to respect Parker’s mandatory status, the NZ star’s undefeated momentum—including wins over proven veterans—adds pressure. Rejecting Parker not only risks political backlash but could also make Parker the default WBO champion if Usyk vacates.

Usyk’s Potential Game Plan Against Parker

If the fight happens, here’s how Usyk might approach it:

Use Movement and High-Output Jab‑Body Combinations

Usyk’s hallmark has always been mobility plus volume. Against Parker, he could employ the same strategy: move laterally, jab early, and offset Parker’s pressure with constant movement and feints. In prior fights—against Fury, Joshua, Joshua again, and now Dubois—he has used this plan to maximum effect.

Target the Body Early to Reduce Parker’s Power

The seen strategy vs. Parker is to hammer the midsection early, draining stamina and reducing punch output in middle rounds. Parker has shown vulnerabilities when opponents attack with body shots early—a tactic that neutralizes pressure later in the fight.

Maintain Distance and Defensive Integrity

While Parker thrives in close-range exchanges and inside pressure, Usyk’s strategy could involve keeping his range, using lateral footwork, and circling Parker to avoid letting him trap inside. His previous opponent Dubois failed due to inability to control distance. Parker might struggle with the same problem.

Force Volume Fights to Neutralize Power

Usyk is slower than his cruiserweight days, but his endurance and high punch volume can be a weapon. If Parker cannot hurt him early, he may fade in later rounds, especially if Usyk pushes pace and angles.

Why Usyk Thinks Parker Is a Real Threat

Multiple factors contribute to Usyk’s reluctance:

1. Parker’s form: Consecutive wins over Bakole (KO), Zhang (decision), and Wilder (UD) show a fighter on an upward curve.

2. Stylistic match-up: Parker’s pressure, power, and durability clash with Usyk’s movement and fight IQ. He can disrupt rhythm and make Usyk fight off uncomfortable angles.

3. Merit-based momentum: Parker is the WBO mandatory contender—technically, Usyk has no excuse not to give him a shot.

4. Fan/pundit sentiment: Even Carl Froch acknowledged Parker’s right—and underrated challenge—even while doubting his chances.

In short: Usyk can beat many fighters, but Parker presents an unbeaten combination of toughness, momentum, and structural legitimacy.

Creative but Logical Scenarios If the Fight Happens

Scenario 1: Parker Disrupts the Rhythm Early

Imagine Parker pushing aggressively from round one, cutting off corners and landing sharp hooks to the body. Usyk adjusts but takes damage, making corrections mid‑fight—his output drops as he regains control. The early rounds might tilt in Parker’s favor, forcing Usyk to fight uphill on the cards.

Scenario 2: Usyk Executes the Masterclass

Usyk neutralizes pressure from round two, uses smart feints, and lands sneaky counters. By round five, Parker’s output slows. He begins forcing power shots and eating jabs. Usyk steps in with volume and shows he can win rounds despite pressure—Parker tires in later rounds.

Scenario 3: Controversial Late Stoppage

If the fight remains competitive, late action becomes critical. Perez could throw with reckless intensity. Usyk lands clean counters, dropping Parker in round eleven. After a second knockdown or dangerous sequence, the referee steps in—Usyk gets the KO, Parker saves his legacy by not getting stopped multiple times.

Scenario 4: Distraction or Disqualification Twists

External drama weighs in. Parker’s team complains of illegal low blows; Usyk temporarily grounded by footwork frustration. Perhaps Parker suffers a cut earlier or Usyk sustains a head injury—either way, the fight becomes a war of attrition. Judges’ scorecards become crucial, potentially favoring Usyk’s earlier dominance.

Post-Fight Possibilities: What Comes Next?

• If Usyk wins convincingly: he cements legacy vs. a tough credible opponent, possibly pushing forward to retirement or another Fury trilogy in 2026.

• If Parker wins upset: he becomes undisputed champion or full WBO titleholder. This clears a path for a unification bout or a Parsons defense in New Zealand—echoing his WBO title reign from 2016–18.

• If the fight doesn’t happen: Usyk risks being stripped of the WBO crown. Parker likely fights next ranked contender—possibly Moses Itauma, Anthony Joshua, or Filip Hrgović, in a WBO title fight scenario.

Why Parker Is Not a Shadow: Usyk’s Own Words

In interviews post‑Dubois knockout, Usyk acknowledged Parker as a legitimate threat—a man who earned his place. The fact that Usyk has not rushed to negotiate speaks volumes. Instead, he expressed desire to rest and spend time with family—with Parker named among possible futures, but not at the top of the priority list.

Analysts note that Parker is among the few heavyweights Usyk hasn’t beaten—and crucially, one who can out‑work, disrupt, and pressure him in ways Fury, Joshua, and Dubois haven’t recently.

Conclusion: The Only Man Who Can Challenge Usyk?

Joseph Parker may not be the flashiest or most hyped heavyweight, but he is built for championship-level adversity. His power, conditioning, and recent run of form give Usyk genuine pause. Facing Parker represents a real, technical test. The question remains: will Usyk embrace it—or continue to postpone?

For Parker, this fight isn’t just about opportunity—it’s about respect. If Usyk refuses, the boxing public will view it as fear of Parker’s danger. If he fights and wins, he proves his status. If he loses, he hands Parker a career-defining upset and possibly strips himself of legacy momentum.

As negotiations tick toward a purse bid, one thing is clear:

Joseph Parker is not a fighter to luck past. He is a calculated threat.

And Usyk knows it.