Joseph Parker just mentioned Joshua and Dubois in a way that has the entire boxing world raising questions

Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion, is determined to make another run at the top of boxing’s most prestigious division. In recent comments, Parker expressed a strong desire for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, the man who first handed him a world title loss back in 2018, and he also made it clear that he has unfinished business with Daniel Dubois, the current IBF heavyweight champion. With a pivotal fight against Fabio Wardley looming, Parker has laid out a roadmap that reveals his ambition, hunger, and confidence as he looks to cement his legacy.

The First Joshua Fight and Its Impact on Parker’s Career

Parker’s history with Anthony Joshua remains a defining moment in his career. In March 2018, the two fighters met in Cardiff for a unification clash. Joshua walked away with Parker’s WBO title, while also adding credibility to his growing reputation as one of the dominant forces in the division. For Parker, the loss was significant not only because it ended his reign as champion, but also because it changed the trajectory of his career.

Since then, Parker has rebuilt himself into a respected contender with notable wins and competitive performances, but the sting of that defeat lingers. That is why a rematch with Joshua is more than just another fight—it is about redemption. Parker has openly stated that avenging that loss remains one of his biggest motivations. The competitive spirit that drives him insists he cannot leave the heavyweight stage without settling that score.

Why Joshua Remains a Target

Joshua continues to be one of the most marketable names in boxing. Despite recent setbacks, his popularity, global recognition, and drawing power make him a dream opponent for fighters seeking both legacy and financial reward. For Parker, facing Joshua again would not only give him a chance to rewrite history but would also provide the kind of platform that few other fights could offer.

Parker said in his recent interview that he does not care too much about who he faces, as long as it is a top five heavyweight. Still, Joshua’s name carries special weight. If the opportunity arises, Parker is determined to step into the ring once more with the British star.

The Role of Oleksandr Usyk and the WBO Title Picture

The heavyweight landscape is currently dominated by Oleksandr Usyk, who holds multiple world titles. Parker is positioned as the mandatory challenger for the WBO belt, and he knows that beating Fabio Wardley will strengthen his claim to a shot at Usyk.

However, Parker also understands the politics of boxing. While the WBO can name him mandatory, the final decision often rests with the champion. As Parker pointed out, Usyk has control over who he fights, and it may not necessarily be the mandatory challenger. That reality means Parker cannot afford to sit idle. If Usyk chooses another opponent or vacates a belt, Parker wants to ensure he has other meaningful fights lined up—hence his callouts to Joshua and Dubois.

Why Dubois Represents Unfinished Business

Parker’s mention of Daniel Dubois comes from a sense of incompletion. The two were scheduled to fight in Saudi Arabia in late 2022, but the bout was canceled at the last moment after Dubois fell ill. For Parker, that left a lingering sense of business undone.

Now, with Dubois having shocked the boxing world by defeating Anthony Joshua to capture the IBF heavyweight title, Parker sees even greater value in revisiting that matchup. Fighting Dubois now means competing not only for pride but also for a world championship.

He has made it clear that he would welcome the chance to share the ring with Dubois again, and given Dubois’ new position as a champion, the fight would carry significant stakes. Parker’s framing of their rivalry as “unfinished business” underscores how seriously he takes the prospect.

The Fabio Wardley Factor

Before any of those blockbuster fights can materialize, Parker must deal with his immediate challenge: Fabio Wardley. Their upcoming fight will determine who earns mandatory status for the WBO heavyweight title. Wardley, an undefeated British contender, presents a real danger.

Parker acknowledged that while the heavyweight scene is unpredictable, he cannot look past Wardley. A victory here keeps him in line for a title fight and strengthens his bargaining power for future negotiations with Joshua or Dubois. Losing to Wardley would derail his momentum and push him back down the pecking order. For Parker, this fight is as much about maintaining his upward trajectory as it is about setting up the big-name clashes he craves.

Parker’s Mindset and Growth as a Fighter

What stands out in Parker’s recent comments is his mindset. He spoke confidently about his abilities—skill, power, speed, and movement—while also emphasizing the value of belief. After more than a decade as a professional, Parker says he still has room to grow. That mentality shows why he remains relevant in the division.

He is not content to be remembered only for his past achievements. Instead, Parker views himself as a fighter still capable of improvement, still hungry for challenges, and still eager to prove himself against the best. That hunger is what pushes him to seek rematches with Joshua and Dubois rather than settling for easier fights.

Risk and Reward in Parker’s Approach

There is no denying that calling out fighters like Joshua and Dubois involves risk. Both are powerful, dangerous opponents who could hand Parker another loss. But the reward of such fights is equally great. Victories against either man would significantly boost his legacy, elevate his marketability, and possibly put him back in world championship contention.

Parker has made it clear he does not shy away from risk. In his words, there is “no point avoiding fights.” His willingness to face whoever is put in front of him reflects an old-school boxing mentality—taking on challenges rather than carefully protecting records. That approach has earned him respect among fans and insiders alike.

The Bigger Picture in the Heavyweight Division

The heavyweight division is entering one of its most compelling periods in years. With Usyk holding multiple titles, Dubois emerging as a champion, Joshua seeking to regain dominance, and names like Tyson Fury always hovering around the spotlight, the field is wide open.

In this context, Parker’s assertiveness is strategic. By calling out high-profile names and positioning himself as the WBO mandatory, he ensures that he remains part of the conversation. Heavyweight boxing is as much about timing and narrative as it is about ability. By keeping his name tied to Joshua and Dubois, Parker is making sure that fans and promoters see him as an active player in the division’s storylines.

Why Fans Should Care About Parker’s Next Moves

Parker’s push for a Joshua rematch and a Dubois clash resonates because these are fights with genuine history and high stakes. His first fight with Joshua was a unification bout that carried global attention. His canceled fight with Dubois left unanswered questions. Both matchups have built-in narratives that fans can connect with, making them attractive to broadcasters and promoters.

Furthermore, Parker brings an engaging style. He is known for his toughness, his willingness to fight hard rounds, and his ability to adapt in the ring. For fans, seeing him against names like Joshua or Dubois offers the promise of competitive, high-quality action.

Legacy and Motivation

At this stage of his career, Parker is not only chasing titles but also legacy. Being remembered as a fighter who sought out the best, avenged losses, and faced tough competition matters to him. A win over Joshua would erase a painful memory, while a victory over Dubois would solidify his standing as a top-level contender even late into his career.

Motivation, too, plays a key role. By openly voicing his goals, Parker is setting clear markers for himself. He is not content with simply being part of the heavyweight picture; he wants to dominate it again. That determination is what makes his current statements resonate.

Parker Stakes Claim for Revenge and Redemption

Joseph Parker is on a mission. His desire to face Anthony Joshua again is about rewriting history and proving he can overcome a man who once beat him. His pursuit of Daniel Dubois is about finishing business left incomplete and seizing an opportunity at another world title. Alongside these ambitions, his immediate challenge against Fabio Wardley provides the stepping stone he needs to move closer to those goals.

In the ever-changing heavyweight division, Parker’s voice stands out. He is not hiding his intentions. He is demanding challenges, embracing risk, and positioning himself for a final push toward the top. Whether or not the fights come together as he envisions, his determination is clear, and his hunger remains as sharp as ever. For Parker, the road ahead is defined by one word: redemption.