Joseph Parker: Boxing Legend also speaks out, only I am strong to fight you – Usyk

In a world where opinions in boxing change like the tide, few voices still carry the weight to shake the landscape. One of them just spoke—and the boxing world listened. Roy Jones Jr, one of the most revered names in the sport’s storied history, has made a bold and unexpected declaration: Joseph Parker is the only man right now who has what it takes to defeat Oleksandr Usyk.

Yes, you read that right.

| Roy Jones Jr: “Only Joseph Parker has the mix of timing, power, and ring IQ to give Usyk real problems. He’s the guy.”

Naturally, this statement sparked a firestorm of debate online. Why Parker? What does this mean for the Usyk–Fury–Joshua power triangle? And is Roy Jones Jr aligning himself with a rising wave—or swimming against the current of popular opinion?

Let’s break it all down, from Parker’s recent resurgence to Roy’s history of seeing talent others miss, and what this endorsement truly means.

Joseph Parker’s Career Revival: From Underdog to Undeniable

To understand why Roy Jones Jr is planting his flag on Parker’s island, we first need to trace the Kiwi fighter’s journey.

Joseph Parker once held the WBO heavyweight title, defeating Andy Ruiz Jr in a razor-close bout back in 2016. But after that, things plateaued. Losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte pushed him out of the top conversation. He became, in the eyes of many, a respectable gatekeeper rather than a true threat to the throne.

But that perception started to shift in 2023 and 2024. Under new training regimes and with a more aggressive style, Parker began climbing back. His destruction of Zhilei Zhang, his outclassing of Deontay Wilder, and his calculated dismantling of Daniel Dubois shocked many who had already written him off.

Most recently, his performance against Filip Hrgović turned heads. He didn’t just win. He looked like a man on a mission.

| Joseph Parker: “People forgot who I was. I didn’t. And now I’m here to remind everyone.”

So when Roy Jones Jr makes such a proclamation, he’s not doing it in a vacuum. He’s watching a man rise again—and perhaps sees echoes of himself in Parker’s relentless return.

Why Roy Jones Jr’s Opinion Matters

For newer boxing fans, Roy Jones Jr might just be a name mentioned in highlight reels. But for seasoned observers, his legacy is unmatched.

He’s the man who moved through weight classes like a ghost—dominating at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and even becoming the first former middleweight in 100 years to win a heavyweight title. His boxing IQ is stratospheric, and he’s always had a sharp eye for talent.

Roy was one of the first to hype up Lomachenko when others doubted him. He predicted Bivol could upset Canelo long before their matchup was announced. His record as a fight analyst is impressive.

So when Roy says Parker is the guy to beat Usyk, he’s not just playing favorites. He sees something. But what exactly?

The Technical Case: Why Parker Might Actually Be a Nightmare for Usyk

Let’s be clear: Oleksandr Usyk is no pushover. He’s arguably the most technically gifted heavyweight in the world, blending elite footwork, movement, and southpaw angles in ways that often leave his opponents confused and gasping.

But there’s one kind of fighter Usyk has traditionally had to work extra hard against—explosive, athletic pressure boxers with decent hand speed and good durability. Dereck Chisora gave Usyk problems early. Anthony Joshua, especially in the rematch, had moments where he bullied Usyk into the ropes. But no one has really put it all together yet.

Parker, at his best, brings:

• Elite hand speed (underrated for his size),

• A granite chin (ask Wilder),

• Footwork refined in recent years,

• And perhaps most critically, a newly found confidence and killer instinct.

| Roy Jones Jr: “Usyk likes rhythm. Parker breaks rhythm. That’s key.”

Roy might be referencing his own style here. He knows how vital disrupting timing is when facing a technical genius. Parker doesn’t just throw punches—he sets traps, feints, and hits in odd rhythms. It’s messy for a technician like Usyk.

And unlike Fury, who relies on awkwardness and sheer size, or Joshua, who often fights too cautiously, Parker has shown a fearless willingness to engage—exactly the kind of mindset Roy would admire.

The Psychology Behind the Endorsement

More than just a technical analysis, there’s something else behind Roy Jones Jr’s statement: a sense of underdog kinship.

Roy was often doubted in his career—whether it was for moving up in weight or for taking “unwinnable” fights. He thrived on proving people wrong. Now, he sees Parker in that same position. Overlooked. Dismissed. Hungry.

| Roy Jones Jr: “I see something in Parker. That dog. That fire. People sleeping on him now, but I’ve been there. I know what it feels like. And I know what happens when you wake a lion.”

This isn’t just tactical praise. It’s emotional. It’s personal.

And that, more than anything, is why the boxing community is sitting up and listening.

Does the Boxing World Agree With Roy? Or Is He Standing Alone?

Here’s where things get spicy.

Online forums are split. Some fans are nodding, pointing to Parker’s recent domination and calling him the dark horse of the division. Others? Not buying it.

“No way Parker beats Usyk. Usyk’s too slick.”

“Roy’s just talking. Usyk would school him like he did AJ.”

But there are also those who say Roy might be ahead of the curve—again. The same way he called Lomachenko and Bivol, maybe he’s just seeing the pieces before they fall into place.

Meanwhile, notable analysts like Teddy Atlas and Andre Ward have yet to weigh in. But insiders hint that Parker’s name is being whispered behind closed doors as a serious threat in 2026.

So is Roy going against the tide, or shaping it? Only time will tell.

What’s Next for Parker? Will He Get His Shot?

With Usyk set to defend his unified titles and Fury chasing redemption, the heavyweight division remains in flux. But Parker, with momentum and now Roy Jones Jr’s backing, is suddenly very much part of the conversation.

Promoters know how valuable a narrative is. And what better narrative than “The Legend vs The Technician”? The man with the eye for chaos (Roy) anointing the next chaos-bringer (Parker) to challenge the calm master of the craft (Usyk)?

Don’t be surprised if the whispers grow louder, and this matchup becomes a reality sooner than later.

| Joseph Parker: “If I get Usyk in the ring, I won’t be there to box. I’ll be there to break him down. No dancing. Just damage.”

That sounds like the kind of fight Roy Jones Jr would tune in for.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Belief, and the Power of Prediction

In boxing, hype is common. Real conviction from someone like Roy Jones Jr is rare. His words may not sway every doubter—but they have undeniably put Joseph Parker back in the elite discussion.

Whether he’s right or not doesn’t even matter yet. What matters is this: Parker now carries the pressure and the privilege of being the chosen one by a legend. And that can change a fighter’s mindset. It can make him punch harder. Train longer. Go deeper.

Or crumble under the weight.

Time will answer all questions, but one thing is clear:

Joseph Parker is no longer just a contender.

He’s the man the legend is betting on.

And in boxing, that alone can be the start of something massive.

Some legends speak. The rest of the world listens. But will the world agree this time—or prove the legend wrong?

We’re about to find out.