Roy Jones Jr: No One Can Beat Oleksandr Usyk, Not Even Joseph Parker

When Roy Jones Jr., one of the most respected names in boxing history, speaks about the current state of the heavyweight division, fans and analysts listen closely. Recently, the Hall of Fame fighter and former four-division world champion gave his thoughts on the future of Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion.

Jones made it clear: while Joseph Parker presents some level of danger, he does not believe anyone in the division today has what it takes to dethrone Usyk.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Reign of Dominance

Oleksandr Usyk has steadily built one of the most remarkable résumés in modern boxing. With a perfect record of 24-0 (15 KOs), he has cemented his place as one of the greatest fighters of his era.

The Ukrainian southpaw first unified the cruiserweight division, winning the World Boxing Super Series and becoming the undisputed champion. His move to heavyweight was initially questioned, but Usyk quickly silenced doubters by defeating some of the biggest names in the sport.

• Two victories over Anthony Joshua showcased Usyk’s technical brilliance and ability to neutralize a powerful puncher.

• Two dominant performances against Tyson Fury, one of the most skilled heavyweights of the last decade, solidified Usyk’s standing as the best in the world.

• Two stoppages of Daniel Dubois, a younger, strong heavyweight, displayed that Usyk could handle raw power with intelligence and precision.

These victories leave Usyk in a rare position: he has beaten the division’s elite multiple times, leaving few legitimate challengers who can create a true “superfight.”

Joseph Parker – The Last Real Test?

Among the potential challengers, Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) stands out. The former WBO heavyweight champion from New Zealand is currently on a six-fight winning streak, which has rejuvenated his career.

His recent victories include impressive wins over Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zhang, and a stunning upset against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. These fights have positioned Parker as the WBO interim champion and the mandatory challenger to Usyk.

What makes Parker intriguing is his combination of:

• Hand speed: For a heavyweight, Parker has unusually quick hands, allowing him to land combinations and counter effectively.

• Technical skill: His ability to move like a smaller fighter sets him apart from most heavyweights.

• Experience: Having fought the likes of Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and Andy Ruiz Jr., Parker has faced top competition throughout his career.

Guided by trainer Andy Lee, Parker has refined his style, focusing on fluid movement and disciplined boxing.

Still, despite these strengths, Roy Jones Jr. does not believe Parker can dethrone Usyk.

Roy Jones Jr’s Perspective

In an interview with The Ring, Jones praised Parker’s improvements but emphasized Usyk’s superiority.

“I don’t see anyone beating him at this point,” Jones stated. “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.”

Coming from Jones, who himself won a heavyweight title after dominating at middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight, this analysis carries weight. Jones recognizes the nuances of fighting bigger men while maintaining speed and skill – something Usyk has mastered better than anyone.

Other Rising Contenders in the Heavyweight Division

While Parker is the immediate mandatory challenger, other fighters are building momentum in hopes of one day challenging Usyk.

• Agit Kabayel (26-0, 17 KOs): The undefeated German heavyweight has impressed with wins over Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sanchez, and Arslanbek Makhmudov. Ranked No. 3 by The Ring, Kabayel’s consistency and discipline make him a dangerous dark horse.

• Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs): At just 20 years old, the British prospect is already making headlines. His first-round destruction of veteran Dillian Whyte this month has many predicting that he could be the “next big thing” in the division.

However, both Kabayel and Itauma are still considered a few fights away from being legitimate threats to Usyk, who has years of championship-level experience on his side.

Usyk’s Hint at Retirement

Another factor in the conversation is Usyk’s age. At 38 years old, the Ukrainian has achieved virtually everything possible in boxing. Having been undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, his legacy is secure.

In the last 18 months, Usyk has hinted that retirement may be approaching. The grueling training camps, the wear and tear of heavyweight fights, and the fact that he has already beaten the biggest names in the division could all influence his decision.

If Usyk chooses to retire soon, he would likely do so undefeated – a rare feat in modern boxing. This would place him alongside legends such as Rocky Marciano and Floyd Mayweather Jr., who left the sport without a loss.

Why Usyk Remains Untouchable

Several key factors explain why Roy Jones Jr. and many others believe no one will beat Usyk:

1. Footwork and Angles – Usyk’s movement is unmatched in the heavyweight division. He constantly frustrates bigger opponents by circling, pivoting, and creating openings.

2. Ring IQ – His ability to read opponents, adjust strategies mid-fight, and capitalize on mistakes separates him from most fighters.

3. Defense – Unlike many heavyweights who rely on absorbing punches, Usyk uses slick head movement and positioning to avoid damage.

4. Experience at the Highest Level – Having faced and defeated champions across multiple weight classes, Usyk has dealt with every style imaginable.

5. Composure Under Pressure – Whether fighting in hostile territory or under championship stakes, Usyk maintains calmness and discipline.

These qualities make him not only a champion but also a pound-for-pound great.

What the Future Holds for Heavyweight Boxing

The heavyweight division has entered a transitional phase. Fighters like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua remain relevant but have already suffered decisive losses to Usyk. The next generation – Kabayel, Itauma, and others – is rising but still unproven at the highest level.

This leaves Joseph Parker as the last major hurdle for Usyk. Even then, many experts agree with Roy Jones Jr. that the outcome will likely favor the Ukrainian.

If Usyk defeats Parker, the boxing world may witness one of the rarest achievements: a dominant champion retiring at the very top, undefeated, and having conquered multiple divisions.

Conclusion

Roy Jones Jr. summed it up best: “I don’t see anyone beating him at this point.”

While Joseph Parker presents a skilled, well-rounded challenge, it is hard to envision him or anyone else dethroning Oleksandr Usyk. With unmatched technical ability, composure, and a perfect record, Usyk has already proven himself against the best heavyweights of this era.

The only questions that remain are: Will Usyk fight Parker next? And will he retire undefeated?

Either way, the legacy of Oleksandr Usyk as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history seems secure.