Joseph Parker’s Team Question Oleksandr Usyk’s Desire to Defend Undisputed Championship

The heavyweight boxing scene remains as dramatic and unpredictable as ever. With the WBO mandating Oleksandr Usyk to defend his heavyweight title against Joseph Parker, fans expected clarity on when the fight might happen. However, a 90-day medical extension has left Parker’s camp questioning whether the Ukrainian undisputed champion truly intends to fulfill his mandatory obligation.

As Parker prepares for a risky matchup against Fabio Wardley on October 25, uncertainty lingers over whether victory will secure him the long-awaited shot at Usyk.

Oleksandr Usyk: Current Heavyweight King

At present, Oleksandr Usyk holds all four major heavyweight belts—WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO. His remarkable achievement came after defeating Anthony Joshua and later solidifying his dominance with subsequent wins. Usyk’s success has positioned him as the undisputed face of the heavyweight division, admired for his technical brilliance, footwork, and adaptability inside the ring.

Despite this dominance, questions now swirl around his willingness—or ability—to defend against Parker, his WBO mandatory challenger.

WBO Orders Usyk vs. Parker but Grants Extension

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has made its stance clear: Usyk must next defend his title against Joseph Parker. Yet, on medical grounds, Usyk was granted a 90-day extension to negotiate and prepare. While this ruling allows more time, it delays the clarity Parker and his team had been pushing for.

For David Higgins, Parker’s promoter, the delay is both frustrating and telling. He emphasized the importance of staying focused, remarking:

“We don’t control rulings like that. We have to be philosophical. The main thing is to keep fighting and keep winning, and you’re right at the top.”

Joseph Parker’s Risky Bout Against Fabio Wardley

Before Parker can even think about Usyk, he faces a significant challenge in Fabio Wardley. Scheduled for October 25, this fight is more than just a tune-up—it’s a dangerous risk. Parker’s mandatory status is directly tied to the outcome. If Wardley defeats him, the opportunity to face Usyk passes to the new victor.

Wardley, who boasts an unbeaten record spanning eight years, carries knockout power and a growing fanbase. Higgins acknowledges the threat:

“Fabio has got a cult following and he’s built an unbeaten record over eight years. He’s a fighter that can knock anyone out, he’s got a big punch. Joseph has got to be on form and fight at his best.”

Doubts Over Usyk’s Commitment

While Parker’s camp prepares for Wardley, their eyes remain on Usyk. The silence from the Ukrainian’s camp is raising concerns. Higgins candidly shared his skepticism:

“It’s pleasing that they’ve said Usyk must fight the winner. It’s gratifying because a lot of hard work has gone into getting this position. But I don’t know if Usyk will want to fight the winner. There’s been so little communication or engagement.”

He added:

“If I had to bet my house on it, I would say he probably won’t want to fight Parker. There has been no correspondence suggesting that they want to make the fight.”

These comments underline the uncertainty surrounding Usyk’s next move and whether Parker’s efforts will be rewarded with the biggest fight of his career.

The Risk-Reward Equation for Joseph Parker

For Parker, the situation represents both opportunity and risk. On one hand, defeating Wardley and maintaining his mandatory status keeps him on track for a historic title shot. On the other, a slip-up could see his hopes dashed, with the title opportunity passing to someone else.

The gamble illustrates the brutal nature of boxing politics. Fighters must often take dangerous fights to stay active and relevant, even when bigger opportunities loom on the horizon.

Usyk’s Options Beyond Parker

There is also speculation that Usyk may be eyeing other potential fights. As the undisputed champion, he is constantly linked with other big names in the division, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Anthony Joshua in potential rematches. These blockbuster matchups generate massive global interest and lucrative paydays, potentially making a fight against Parker less appealing.

However, as the WBO has made clear, if Usyk intends to keep his belts intact, he must fulfill his mandatory obligations. That includes facing the winner of Parker vs. Wardley.

Fabio Wardley: The Dark Horse

While much of the focus is on Parker and Usyk, Fabio Wardley’s presence cannot be ignored. The British fighter has quietly built momentum, amassing an undefeated record and showing knockout power that makes him dangerous to anyone in the division.

For Wardley, defeating Parker would be a career-defining achievement, propelling him into mandatory challenger status and thrusting him into global boxing conversations. His hunger and underdog status make him a serious threat to Parker’s championship ambitions.

Why Fans Are Eager for Usyk vs. Parker

A potential clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker would offer an intriguing stylistic matchup. Usyk’s fluid footwork and high ring IQ contrast with Parker’s durability, resilience, and technical boxing skills.

Fans also see Parker as one of the few heavyweights capable of challenging Usyk’s dominance. With Parker’s resurgence in recent years, including notable wins and improvements under his training team, the fight promises both drama and competitiveness.

The Bigger Picture for the Heavyweight Division

The heavyweight division thrives on clarity, yet it often faces delays and complications due to negotiations, mandatory obligations, and unforeseen extensions. The current uncertainty around Usyk’s mandatory defense against Parker exemplifies this.

For fans, the desire is simple: to see the best fight the best. Whether it’s Usyk vs. Parker or a blockbuster showdown with another contender, the heavyweight division’s appeal lies in its unpredictability and the potential for seismic shifts with every major bout.

Conclusion: Unanswered Questions for 2024 and Beyond

At the heart of this story lies a crucial question: Will Oleksandr Usyk defend his undisputed championship against Joseph Parker?

For Parker, the immediate focus must remain on Fabio Wardley. A victory secures his place in line for Usyk, but a loss could undo years of hard work. Meanwhile, the silence from Usyk’s camp fuels speculation about whether the champion will fulfill his obligation or pursue alternative fights.

One thing remains certain: with fighters like Usyk, Parker, Wardley, and other top heavyweights in the mix, fans can expect the next chapter of boxing’s most storied division to deliver high drama.