Joseph Parker Gets the Call for a Heavyweight Title Shot – But One Phone Call from Saudi Could Blow It All Up

Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion from New Zealand, has earned his way back to the top of the rankings. Officially, he’s now the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title currently held by Oleksandr Usyk – a distinction that should guarantee him a title shot. But in the current landscape of professional boxing, where money talks louder than merit, Parker is finding out the hard way that being mandatory doesn’t mean being marketable.

A Mandatory Fight… That No One Wants to Pay For

Under normal circumstances, when a sanctioning body like the WBO orders a mandatory fight, both camps have 30 days to negotiate terms. If they fail to reach an agreement, the bout goes to a purse bid, where promoters can bid for the rights to stage the fight.

But here’s the twist: while the WBO has done its part by naming Parker as the challenger, there’s little to no interest from the biggest financial backers in boxing, especially Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season and Sela, in putting on Usyk vs Parker.

According to sources like The Ring, the match simply doesn’t hold enough commercial appeal for Saudi-based organizers, who have become the new powerbrokers of boxing. Parker, despite his solid credentials and fan-friendly style, is not seen as a pay-per-view draw – and without that, even a sanctioned title fight becomes a hard sell.

Usyk Wants Big Money, Big Names

At 38 years old, Oleksandr Usyk is well aware that he’s in the final chapter of his storied career. After his dramatic win over Daniel Dubois and the historic victory over Tyson Fury, Usyk has made it clear: he’s prioritizing legacy-defining bouts that come with massive financial incentives.

Naturally, a third fight with Tyson Fury or even a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua makes much more sense from a business and branding perspective. Fury, still fuming over the decision losses, continues to insist he was “robbed,” and despite differing opinions in the boxing world, the controversy is enough to fuel interest for another rematch.

Compared to that, a bout with Parker, while compelling for purists, lacks the blockbuster storyline. Parker is respected, but he’s not a mainstream icon. And in today’s boxing market, especially with Middle Eastern investment dominating the scene, economics outweigh rankings.

Is Moses Itauma the “Chosen One”?

Adding another layer of intrigue is the rise of Moses Itauma, a young British heavyweight who’s being heavily promoted by Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi advisor behind most of the Kingdom’s mega-events. Despite being only 20 years old with a limited pro resume, Itauma is rapidly climbing the rankings and is already ranked just behind Parker in the WBO list.

A fight between Usyk and Itauma, staged in Riyadh or Jeddah, would be an appealing clash of generations – the seasoned champion vs. the future of the division. Even though Parker is the rightful challenger, Itauma’s marketability and promotional backing make him a tempting alternative.

In boxing’s current business model, that’s often enough to change the course of destiny.

What If Usyk Refuses to Fight Parker?

Technically, Usyk cannot keep ignoring his mandatory obligations. He already postponed a defense against Daniel Dubois before eventually fighting him. If Usyk refuses to face Parker, the WBO has the authority to strip him of the belt.

But Usyk has shown he’s willing to give up titles if necessary. Earlier this year, he relinquished the IBF belt rather than delay his fight with Fury. His priority is not belt collection – it’s about high-profile fights with maximum reward.

So if another opponent – like Itauma – offers more financial upside and global attention, Usyk may simply walk away from the WBO strap. It wouldn’t be the first time.

And Parker? He could find himself holding a worthless mandatory status, watching his chance at glory slip away because of corporate preferences.

Is Parker Actually a Threat to Usyk?

From a boxing standpoint, Joseph Parker is no pushover. The New Zealander has a reliable jab, solid defense, and great footwork. He’s gone the distance with names like Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, proving he belongs among the elite.

But Usyk is a different beast. A master technician, the Ukrainian southpaw controls distance, tempo, and rhythm like few others in the sport. His movement and ring IQ often neutralize power punchers, making his fights more about chess than war.

A Usyk vs Parker matchup would be a battle of brains, not brawn. And while that may appeal to boxing aficionados, it’s not the type of spectacle that sets ticket sales on fire in the Saudi desert.

Final Thoughts: Parker Has the Rank, But Not the Leverage

This is the paradox of modern boxing: Joseph Parker has earned his spot, but he doesn’t hold any of the real power. In the age of Saudi mega-events, where narrative and novelty drive investment, fighters like Parker can be overlooked no matter how deserving.

Even if the WBO insists Usyk must face Parker – or vacate – it wouldn’t be surprising to see Usyk walk away from the belt in favor of more lucrative opportunities.

For Parker, it’s a deeply frustrating scenario. He’s done everything right inside the ring, but outside the ropes, he has no cards to play. And in today’s game, money and marketability are the only currencies that matter.

Unless something changes soon, Joseph Parker may go down as the forgotten contender – a fighter who got close to the mountaintop twice, but never got the chance to plant his flag.