Does Joseph Parker stand a chance of challenging Oleksandr Usyk?

Joseph Parker has once again proven why he remains a top contender in the heavyweight division. With a devastating second-round knockout of Martin Bakole, Parker successfully defended his WBO Interim title, strengthening his case for a world title shot.

Now, the big question looms: Will Parker get his chance to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship? Usyk, fresh off his second victory over Tyson Fury on December 21, 2024, holds all four major heavyweight belts and stands as the division’s dominant force.

Parker has been vocal about his championship ambitions, but does he truly have what it takes to dethrone Usyk? In this article, we’ll analyze Parker’s performance against Bakole, his potential path to a title shot, and his chances against one of the best technical heavyweights in history.

Joseph Parker Destroys Martin Bakole in Two Rounds

Joseph Parker made a bold statement in the heavyweight division by knocking out Martin Bakole in just two rounds at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. His dominant performance in this short-notice fight has now positioned him as a serious contender for the WBO world title, currently held by undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

With Parker holding the WBO Interim title, the big question remains: Will he get his long-awaited title shot against Usyk? Let’s break down his performance, his chances of fighting for the championship, and how this victory shakes up the heavyweight division.

How Parker Took Control of the Fight

The fight between Parker and Bakole was never supposed to happen. Parker was originally scheduled to face Daniel Dubois, but just two days before the fight, Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness. Stepping in on incredibly short notice, Bakole arrived in Riyadh from Kinshasa, DR Congo, just hours before fight night.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Bakole came in ready to fight, but Parker was simply too powerful and too precise. In the opening round, Parker used his superior jab and movement to keep Bakole at bay. However, Bakole showed signs of aggression, landing a hard right hand toward the end of the round.

Feeling confident, Bakole pressed forward in round two, targeting Parker’s body and head. But Parker remained calm and composed, waiting for the perfect counter. Then came the decisive moment. Parker unleashed a right hand that clipped Bakole on the top of the head. The force of the punch sent Bakole to the canvas, his legs betraying him.

Bakole struggled to get back on his feet, using the ropes for support, but the referee decided he was unfit to continue, stopping the fight at 2:17 of the second round.

What Parker’s Victory Means for the Heavyweight Division

With this dominant win, Parker successfully defended his WBO Interim title, which strengthens his case for a shot at Usyk’s world championship.

Is Parker the Mandatory Challenger for Usyk?

Holding the WBO Interim title usually means the champion becomes the mandatory challenger for the full world title. In this case, that means Parker could be in line to face Oleksandr Usyk, who currently holds the WBO, WBA, IBF, and WBC titles, making him the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Parker wasted no time after his victory in calling for a world title shot, saying:

“How can I fight for the world title next? If Usyk wants a dance partner, I want to fight for a world title, I want to be champion of the world again.”

Since Usyk has already defeated Tyson Fury twice—most recently on December 21, 2024—and cemented his status as the best heavyweight on the planet, Parker knows the challenge ahead of him is monumental.

Does Parker Have What It Takes to Beat Usyk?

Usyk is known for his elite boxing IQ, movement, and precision punching. Since moving up from cruiserweight, he has dominated heavyweights, defeating Anthony Joshua twice and beating Fury twice to unify the entire division.

Strengths Parker Brings to the Fight

• Power and Precision: Parker’s knockout of Bakole shows he has the punching power to hurt even the most durable opponents.
• Speed and Movement: Unlike many heavyweights, Parker moves well, which could help him counter Usyk’s slick footwork.
• Experience Against Top Fighters: Parker has shared the ring with elite opponents, including Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and Andy Ruiz Jr…

Challenges Parker Faces Against Usyk

• Usyk’s Technical Superiority: Parker must find a way to break through Usyk’s defensive skills and elite counterpunching.
• Stamina and endurance: Usyk’s work rate is high, and Parker must be ready to match his intensity for 12 rounds.

While Parker has the skills to be competitive, defeating Usyk will require a flawless game plan and execution.

What’s Next for Parker? Potential Fight Scenarios

Fighting Usyk for the Undisputed Title

If Parker is officially named the WBO mandatory challenger, he could get his shot at Usyk. However, Usyk has already achieved everything in the division, and there’s a possibility he may vacate the belts if he decides to retire or move on to different challenges.

Facing Another Top Contender First

If Usyk decides to take another fight or delays his mandatory obligations, Parker may have to fight another top contender first. Possible opponents include:

• Daniel Dubois (if he recovers and is available)
• Filip Hrgovic (another rising contender)
• Zhilei Zhang (a powerful and dangerous opponent)

A Rematch with Anthony Joshua?

Parker previously lost to Anthony Joshua in 2018 in a close decision. With Joshua making a comeback, a rematch could be a big-money fight that sets up the winner for a title shot.

Final Thoughts

Joseph Parker’s dominant knockout over Martin Bakole has put him back in the spotlight and closer to another world title opportunity. While he may have to wait for Usyk’s next move, he has positioned himself as a serious contender.

If Parker gets his title shot, he’ll have to bring his best performance ever to dethrone Usyk. But with his recent improvements, confidence, and power, Parker may just have what it takes to become a two-time world champion.

Would you like to see Parker vs. Usyk? Let us know in the comments!