Parker was excellent, but Usyk is unbeatable – Roy Jones Jr.

The heavyweight division of boxing has always been known for its drama, unpredictability, and legends who rise above the rest. In recent years, however, Oleksandr Usyk has managed to silence all doubts and carve his name among the very best to ever step into the ring. With an undefeated record of 24-0 (15 KOs), Usyk has beaten every major name placed in front of him, including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois, establishing himself as the undisputed king of the heavyweights.

Yet, as Hall of Fame fighter Roy Jones Jr. pointed out, one contender still presents a legitimate test: Joseph Parker. Despite Parker’s recent resurgence and impressive run, Jones believes that while the New Zealander is skilled, nobody is going to beat Usyk at this point in his career. That statement has sparked major debate among boxing fans, experts, and fighters alike, as everyone wonders whether Parker can truly trouble the Ukrainian southpaw or if Usyk’s dominance will continue unchecked.

Usyk’s Road to Greatness

Since moving up from cruiserweight, Usyk has redefined what it means to be a heavyweight. Many critics doubted whether a smaller, technically skilled fighter could thrive in a division filled with giants weighing over 250 pounds. Usyk answered those doubts emphatically.

He dethroned Anthony Joshua in 2021 in London, producing a masterclass of movement, precision, and ring IQ to win the unified titles. He then defended his belts in the rematch, proving the first victory was no fluke. Later, he faced Daniel Dubois and dispatched him twice, showcasing resilience and his ability to break down younger, bigger opponents. And most recently, he stunned the boxing world by defeating Tyson Fury, a man many considered unbeatable due to his size, awkwardness, and skill.

By conquering Fury, Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion, holding all the major belts simultaneously — a rare feat in modern boxing. At 38 years old, Usyk has not only remained undefeated but also hinted at the possibility of retirement, knowing his legacy is already cemented.

Joseph Parker – The Last Real Test?

While Usyk is running out of high-profile adversaries, Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) has forced himself back into the conversation. The WBO mandatory challenger has looked rejuvenated in his last six fights, winning all of them, including notable victories over Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zhang, and former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Against Wilder, Parker produced one of his finest performances, dominating with slick boxing and proving he is still a world-class heavyweight. His hand speed, tactical brain, and ability to adapt make him an interesting opponent for Usyk. The fact that he is currently on a six-fight win streak suggests that his confidence is sky-high, and his partnership with trainer Andy Lee has elevated his overall game.

But does Parker really stand a chance against Usyk? That’s the question Roy Jones Jr. addressed.

Roy Jones Jr.’s Take: Usyk Will Retire Undefeated

Roy Jones Jr., one of the most technically gifted fighters in boxing history and a former heavyweight champion himself, gave a blunt assessment:

“I don’t see anyone beating him at this point,” Jones told The Ring. “But the most likely suspect is Joseph Parker. It’s the only fight that is a little bit of a challenge because Parker has boxing skills, hand speed, he knows how to maneuver like a small man, and has trainer Andy Lee, who knows what he is doing as well.”

Jones’ comments underline the respect Parker has earned, but they also reinforce Usyk’s aura of invincibility. For Jones — who knows what it takes to succeed across weight divisions — to say Usyk is unbeatable is no small statement. He sees in Usyk a fighter whose technical mastery, mental toughness, and discipline are too much for any current heavyweight to overcome.

Other Rising Threats: Kabayel and Itauma

If not Parker, then who? Boxing always has new names rising through the ranks, and Usyk’s dominance has highlighted a few emerging challengers.

One is Agit Kabayel (26-0, 17 KOs), The Ring’s No. 3-ranked contender, who has been on an incredible run, stopping Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sanchez, and Arslanbek Makhmudov in consecutive fights. His undefeated record and growing reputation make him a serious future opponent.

Then there’s Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs), the 20-year-old prodigy who recently demolished veteran Dillian Whyte in a single round. Seen as the future of the heavyweight division, Itauma may not be ready yet, but his rise is undeniable. If Usyk stays in the sport a little longer, a clash with Itauma could become one of the most anticipated fights in years.

The Question of Retirement

At 38 years old, Usyk has nothing left to prove. He has unified the cruiserweight division, conquered the heavyweight division, and beaten the best of his era. He has hinted multiple times at retirement, saying he values his family and health above chasing endless glory.

However, boxing history shows us that champions often struggle to walk away when they are still on top. The lure of another massive payday, another historic fight, or another milestone might be enough to keep Usyk active for a little while longer. The upcoming mandatory defense against Parker will be a significant indicator of whether Usyk wants to continue or bow out gracefully.

Why Usyk Is So Hard to Beat

To understand why Jones and many others believe Usyk is unbeatable, one has to look at his style. Unlike most heavyweights, who rely heavily on power and size, Usyk brings unmatched footwork, angles, and timing. His ability to dictate distance, slip punches, and counter effectively neutralizes the advantages of bigger opponents.

He is also incredibly resilient — not just physically but mentally. In tough moments, Usyk doesn’t panic. Instead, he adapts, making subtle adjustments that swing the fight back in his favor. His conditioning is world-class, allowing him to maintain a relentless pace deep into fights, something most heavyweights cannot match.

Parker’s Slim Chances

For Parker to succeed, he will need to combine his speed, footwork, and ring IQ with relentless pressure. He must also be willing to take risks, something he has sometimes lacked in his biggest fights. Andy Lee’s game plan will be crucial, but even then, overcoming Usyk is an uphill battle.

Still, boxing is a sport where one punch can change everything. Parker has enough skill to trouble Usyk and potentially create a dramatic upset, but history shows that Usyk has always found a way to adapt and win.

Conclusion

The heavyweight division continues to deliver fascinating storylines, and Usyk vs. Parker has the potential to be another memorable chapter. While Joseph Parker has shown remarkable resurgence and may be the best challenger left for Usyk, the words of Roy Jones Jr. echo loudly: Usyk is simply on another level.

As fans await confirmation of when and where the fight will take place, one thing is clear — if Usyk wins again, the debate will no longer be about who can beat him, but whether we are witnessing the end of a once-in-a-generation career that might conclude with him retiring undefeated.