Joseph Parker Calls Out Oleksandr Usyk for Favoring Daniel Dubois: ‘I Was Robbed of My Title Shot!’

In the high-stakes world of heavyweight boxing, controversy often extends beyond the ring. The latest dispute has erupted between former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker and current unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker has accused Usyk of favoring British fighter Daniel Dubois, effectively denying him a rightful shot at the championship. This situation has fueled intense debates within the boxing community and raised questions about fairness in title fights.

Could Parker have been a more deserving opponent than Dubois? And what does this mean for the landscape of heavyweight boxing? Let’s break down the details.

Joseph Parker’s Journey to Regain Championship Glory

New Zealand’s Joseph Parker has long been a force in the heavyweight division. After winning the WBO heavyweight title in 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr., Parker successfully defended the belt twice before losing it to Anthony Joshua in 2018. Since then, he has been working tirelessly to reclaim a top spot in the division.

Despite his setbacks, Parker has remained a dangerous and respected contender. He has scored victories over elite fighters such as Derek Chisora, Junior Fa, and Jack Massey. Many believed he was in line for a significant title fight, making Usyk’s decision to fight Dubois instead a major point of contention.

Usyk’s Rise to Heavyweight Supremacy

Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian superstar, transitioned from cruiserweight dominance to shake up the heavyweight division. After becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion, Usyk moved up in weight and quickly established himself as a top contender.

He shocked the world in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. A year later, he solidified his supremacy by winning the rematch against Joshua. Usyk’s slick boxing skills, speed, and ring IQ have made him one of the most formidable champions in the sport today.

With Usyk now at the top, the question became: Who would be next to challenge him?

Why Did Usyk Choose Dubois Over Parker?

Usyk’s decision to fight Daniel Dubois has been met with mixed reactions. Dubois, a rising British heavyweight, holds the WBA (Regular) title, making him Usyk’s mandatory challenger. While this technically justifies the matchup, many—including Parker—argue that Dubois has not yet proven himself against elite-level competition.

Parker expressed his frustration, stating:

“I’ve been in this game for years, fighting top-level opponents, working my way back to a title shot. Then, all of a sudden, Usyk picks Dubois? I feel like I was robbed of my chance.”

His argument is based on experience and track record. Unlike Parker, Dubois has yet to face—and defeat—multiple top-tier heavyweights. His most notable fight was against Joe Joyce in 2020, which ended in a loss. However, Dubois has rebounded with wins over opponents like Kevin Lerena and Trevor Bryan, securing his place in the rankings.

Even so, critics argue that Parker, with his stronger resume, should have been given priority over Dubois.

The Boxing Community Reacts

Parker is not alone in his frustration. Many figures in the boxing world have weighed in on the controversy.

Derek Chisora, a seasoned heavyweight, sided with Parker:

“Parker has fought tougher competition. He should’ve been given that shot before Dubois. Boxing politics, man, it’s frustrating to watch.”

Others, however, believe Usyk’s decision is justified. Former heavyweight champion David Haye argued that Dubois is a legitimate contender due to his WBA (Regular) title status:

“Dubois earned his shot. You can’t blame Usyk for following the rules. The sanctioning bodies make these decisions, not the fighters.”

The division remains divided, but Parker’s supporters believe his history in the sport should have carried more weight in determining Usyk’s next opponent.

Parker vs. Dubois: A Fight That Should Have Happened First?

Many boxing analysts argue that instead of Dubois jumping straight into a fight with Usyk, a Parker vs. Dubois eliminator match would have been the fairer route.

Such a bout would have allowed Dubois to prove himself against a seasoned veteran like Parker before challenging for the undisputed title. On the flip side, Parker could have reaffirmed his position as a top contender with a victory over Dubois.

Had this fight taken place, the winner would have had a much stronger case for facing Usyk, eliminating much of the current controversy.

Parker’s Next Steps: What’s Next for the Kiwi Contender?

Despite his disappointment, Parker remains determined to stay active and continue his pursuit of a title shot. His potential next moves include:

1. Challenging a Top Contender – Parker could seek fights against elite heavyweights like Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr., or Filip Hrgović. A statement victory over one of these fighters could force the boxing world to acknowledge his rightful place in the title picture.

2. Waiting for Usyk vs. Dubois Outcome – If Dubois upsets Usyk, Parker may get a shot at the new champion. If Usyk wins convincingly, Parker could push for a fight against Usyk’s next mandatory challenger, positioning himself as the next in line.

3. Targeting the Winner of Tyson Fury vs. Usyk – If Usyk defeats Dubois and eventually fights Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship, Parker could wait to challenge the winner, especially if an immediate rematch clause isn’t in place.

Whatever route he takes, Parker’s ultimate goal remains clear: securing another title fight and proving that he belongs among the best heavyweights in the world.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Heavyweight Boxing

The controversy surrounding Usyk’s choice of Dubois over Parker highlights ongoing issues in boxing, including:

• Sanctioning Body Politics: Boxing organizations often dictate matchups based on rankings and mandatory challengers, sometimes overlooking merit-based opportunities.

• Lack of Transparency: Fighters like Parker feel they are left in the dark when these decisions are made, leading to frustration and public disputes.

• Fan Backlash: When fights are made based on rankings rather than public demand, it can result in a lack of excitement and engagement from fans.

Boxing’s governing bodies must consider a more transparent and merit-based approach when selecting title challengers. Ensuring that top fighters earn their opportunities based on skill, experience, and recent performance would help prevent controversies like this one.

Final Thoughts: Will Parker Get His Shot?

Joseph Parker’s frustration is understandable. As a proven veteran with years of experience against top-level opposition, he has a strong case for deserving a title fight over Dubois. However, boxing’s political landscape often dictates matchups, leaving many deserving contenders sidelined.

For now, Parker must focus on staying active and securing another statement win. If he continues to prove himself inside the ring, his opportunity will come—whether it’s against Usyk, Dubois, or another top heavyweight.

Until then, the debate rages on: Did Usyk and his team make the right choice, or was Parker truly robbed of his shot at heavyweight glory? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the division continues to unfold.