It’s Not About Skill – This is the Real Reason Joseph Parker Might Not Face Usyk

Joseph Parker has finally been named as the mandatory challenger to undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk by the WBO — but in the complex and often political world of boxing, a mandatory designation is far from a guarantee of a fight. Once again, Parker finds himself in a frustrating position: poised for a title shot that may never materialize.

Despite the WBO’s order and a 30-day window to negotiate terms, sources close to Riyadh Season and promotional backers Sela have made it clear: there is little interest in staging Usyk vs Parker. Instead, heavyweight megafights with bigger commercial value — particularly against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, or even rising star Moses Itauma — are capturing all the attention. For Parker, the wait for justice inside the ring may continue, or worse, it may never arrive at all.

Another Disappointment for Parker

This isn’t the first time in 2025 that Joseph Parker’s heavyweight dreams have been left hanging. Earlier this year, he was scheduled to face then-IBF world champion Daniel Dubois, only for the Brit to withdraw due to illness during fight week. Now, even with the WBO officially pushing for Usyk vs Parker, there’s no real traction behind the scenes.

Worse still, Usyk and his camp appear uninterested, despite the threat of being stripped of his WBO belt if he sidesteps Parker for a second time. The first pass was allowed under WBO rules because Usyk’s previous defense against Dubois was a unification bout. But there is little tolerance for a repeat dodge — the governing body may have no choice but to enforce a title vacancy if Usyk refuses to fight Parker.

Usyk’s Financial Focus: Big Names or Bust

At 38 years old, Oleksandr Usyk is nearing the end of his historic career. He’s unified the cruiserweight division, become undisputed at heavyweight, and twice defeated both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Now, it’s no secret that Usyk is prioritizing financial legacy over boxing glory.

Usyk has consistently expressed interest in fighting Tyson Fury for a third time, and despite “The Gypsy King” announcing a temporary retirement, he has already teased a return for a possible Wembley showdown in 2026. That fight, even after two previous defeats to Usyk, remains a massive payday. Likewise, a third bout with Anthony Joshua would draw international attention and a hefty purse.

And that’s the hard truth for Parker: he doesn’t carry the financial pull of those bigger names. Even though he’s coming off high-profile wins against Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, Parker is seen as a high-risk, low-reward opponent — dangerous in the ring, but not a proven draw at the box office.

Enter Moses Itauma: A New Obstacle

Adding even more pressure to Parker’s situation is the emergence of Moses Itauma, the 19-year-old British prodigy who has captured the imagination of boxing fans and Saudi Arabian backers alike. Turki Alalshikh, the man behind the Riyadh Season boxing renaissance, is rumored to be interested in fast-tracking Itauma into a world title shot — potentially against Usyk.

Despite being less experienced than Parker, Itauma is undefeated, charismatic, and brings a youthful X-factor that promoters love. He’s currently ranked in the top 10 across all four sanctioning bodies, and most importantly, holds the No. 1 spot in the WBO right behind interim champ Parker.

For Usyk, a bout with Itauma presents something Parker simply cannot offer: a massive payday combined with the intrigue of youth vs experience. Even if the Ukrainian wins, he gets a commercial boost by being the first to test Itauma — a fight that, in retrospect, could look like genius matchmaking if Itauma goes on to dominate the division.

Would Parker vs Usyk Even Be Exciting?

There’s also the issue of style. On paper, Parker and Usyk are evenly matched in terms of ring IQ, footwork, and endurance, but that’s exactly the problem: their strengths are too similar.

Both men are technicians, not knockout artists. Parker relies on his jab, movement, and well-timed counters — strategies that helped him neutralize punchers like Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Usyk, however, does all those things at a higher level, with better angles, faster transitions, and superior volume.

From a promotional standpoint, that doesn’t make for an electric sell. The fight might turn into a technical chess match, appreciated by purists but difficult to market in today’s spectacle-driven boxing climate. Combine that with Parker’s lower media profile, and it’s clear why big promoters and broadcasters aren’t jumping at the opportunity.

Will Usyk Risk the Belt or Walk Away?

If Usyk refuses to face Parker, he’ll likely be stripped of the WBO title. But does that matter to him?

Given Usyk’s current status as an undisputed champion, multi-division king, and surefire Hall-of-Famer, the answer may be no. He’s achieved more than most fighters could ever dream of and has hinted multiple times about retirement in the near future.

If his fight with Daniel Dubois was, as some speculate, the second-to-last fight of his career, Usyk will almost certainly be looking to maximize his final payday — not risk his legacy against a hungry contender like Parker.

“Fighting one of Fury, Joshua, or Itauma will allow Usyk to sail off into the sunset with an even healthier bank account,” one boxing insider noted.

Parker, while deserving, simply doesn’t move the financial needle.

What’s Next for Joseph Parker?

If the WBO enforces its ruling and Usyk declines, Parker could fight for a vacant WBO title against the next highest-ranked contender — possibly Itauma, Jared Anderson, or even Martin Bakole. Alternatively, he may pursue high-risk eliminators to force another title shot down the road.

What’s most disappointing is that Parker has done everything right. He’s fought and beaten top-tier opposition, climbed the rankings, and conducted himself as a model professional. Yet, in boxing’s frustrating ecosystem, business often trumps merit, and Parker is once again in danger of being sidelined by the sport’s politics.

Conclusion: The Heavyweight Limbo Continues

Joseph Parker’s status as the mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk should, in a perfect world, lead to a long-overdue title shot. But in reality, that opportunity remains elusive.

Usyk is eyeing cash-rich exits. Promoters are dreaming of new stars. And Parker — a proven, elite heavyweight with renewed form — is stuck waiting, once again.

If boxing values fairness and integrity, the WBO must stand firm. But if recent history tells us anything, dollars often speak louder than mandates.

For Parker, the hope remains alive — but time, and the politics of boxing, are not on his side.