Parker Is Getting Ready for Wardley – But the Whole World Is Asking: Is the Real Fight Against Usyk or Joshua?

When Joseph Parker steps into the ring against Fabio Wardley, the boxing world will tune in to see if the former WBO heavyweight champion still has the fire to climb back to the very top. But let’s be real — fans are not only asking whether Parker can beat Wardley. They’re asking the bigger, burning question: what comes next? Is this fight just a checkpoint on the road to Oleksandr Usyk, the unified king of the division? Or is it the door to a money-spinning rematch with Anthony Joshua, the man Parker already shared a world title stage with back in 2018?

For Parker, Wardley is important. But the real story is the chessboard that awaits if he wins.

Why Wardley Matters — But Isn’t the Endgame

Wardley is unbeaten, young, and brash. He carries the momentum of Britain’s heavyweight scene and represents the type of fighter who can derail a veteran’s second run. Parker knows this. He’s praised Wardley’s power, acknowledged his hunger, but at the same time dropped that cold, cutting line: “There are levels.” That wasn’t just a dismissal. It was a reminder — Parker has been on the biggest stages, fought under the brightest lights, faced champions in their prime. Wardley hasn’t.

But here’s the twist. Even if Parker wins, Wardley isn’t the name that will define his legacy. He’s the gatekeeper fight — the one that proves whether Parker still belongs in the conversation with Usyk and Joshua.

The Usyk Puzzle — Will the Ukrainian King Even Bite?

The WBO has confirmed it: the winner of Parker vs Wardley keeps mandatory position for Usyk. On paper, it’s crystal clear. But boxing is never just paper. Oleksandr Usyk, fresh off defending his belts, doesn’t exactly seem eager to entertain Parker. Parker’s own promoter, David Higgins, has voiced doubts — claiming there’s been little communication from Team Usyk. The suspicion? Usyk may prefer legacy-defining megafights, not mandatory defenses that sell fewer pay-per-views.

That’s where the intrigue lies. If Parker smashes Wardley and looks spectacular, it forces Usyk’s hand. Fans start buzzing. Broadcasters demand it. Suddenly, what looked like a routine mandatory turns into a potential upset storyline: can the reborn Parker dethrone the pound-for-pound master?

But if Usyk drags his feet? Then all eyes shift to another, juicier option.

The Anthony Joshua Factor — Unfinished Business

Let’s rewind. April 2018. Cardiff, Wales. A packed Principality Stadium. Parker vs Joshua for the unified heavyweight titles. Joshua won by decision, but the fight was tactical, not destructive. No knockdowns. No explosive finish. Many fans left wondering what would happen if Parker had been more aggressive, if Joshua had taken more risks.

Fast forward to 2025. Joshua has rebuilt his aura, knocking out opponents and teasing a clash with Tyson Fury. Parker, after a career rollercoaster, is suddenly in the mix again. And here’s where the storytelling writes itself: Parker vs Joshua II. A rematch with years of history, stakes, and the kind of box-office pull that makes promoters salivate. Unlike Usyk, Joshua is a proven pay-per-view giant. Unlike Wardley, he’s a global superstar.

If Parker wants to cash in both financially and historically, a Joshua rematch might actually be the biggest “win” waiting for him.

The Marketing Angle — Why Fans Care About the Road, Not Just the Stop

Casual fans may see Wardley’s name and think, “Who?” Hardcore fans respect his record but know the heavyweight division is built on names that echo: Usyk, Fury, Joshua, Wilder. Parker understands this too. That’s why his interviews are laced not just with respect for Wardley, but with hints of what’s beyond.

And that’s exactly why this fight is trending. Because Wardley might be the opponent, but the headlines are already painting Parker’s future. Fans want to know: is he still world-class, or is he just circling the drain?

Possible Scenarios After Wardley

Here are the three most compelling storylines that could explode after Parker’s fight:

1. Parker wins decisively — He calls out Usyk directly, pushing WBO to enforce the mandatory. The narrative becomes: “Veteran Parker hunts for one last shot at glory against the unbeatable Ukrainian.”

2. Usyk avoids Parker — Negotiations stall, Usyk looks elsewhere, and Parker pivots to Joshua. This storyline becomes about redemption and big money: “Can Parker do what he couldn’t in 2018?”

3. Wardley shocks the world — If the underdog beats Parker, the whole script flips. Suddenly Wardley is the one linked to Usyk, and Parker faces hard questions about whether his prime is over for good.

Each scenario is viral fuel. Each path leads to headlines.

Why This Fight Feels Like a Launchpad

Boxing history loves these kinds of crossroads fights. They look like just another main event, but in hindsight they’re turning points. Think Lennox Lewis vs Frank Bruno, or Wladimir Klitschko vs Samuel Peter. Win, and the road leads back to the summit. Lose, and the decline accelerates.

For Parker, Wardley is more than a test. It’s a launchpad. Beat Wardley and his name is back in every heavyweight headline, paired with the likes of Usyk or Joshua. Struggle, and the whispers of “finished” grow louder.

The Viral Hook — Why This Story Is Catching Fire Online

On social media, fans aren’t just debating Parker vs Wardley. They’re fantasizing about the bigger matches. Comments like: “We need Parker vs Usyk, not another easy Usyk mandatory” or “Joshua owes Parker a rematch, it’s been long enough.” Memes are circulating. Clips of the 2018 Joshua fight are resurfacing. The internet has already decided: Wardley is the appetizer. Usyk or Joshua is the real meal.

And that’s why this fight, while not the biggest on paper, has all the ingredients to blow up online. It’s not about Wardley. It’s about what Parker’s victory could trigger.

Final Word — Parker’s Future Hinges on One Night

Make no mistake: if Parker slips, the dream collapses. Wardley will claim the spotlight, and Parker may never get close to Usyk or Joshua again. But if Parker rises? If he proves “there are levels” is more than a soundbite? Then we’re looking at one of the most intriguing heavyweight storylines of the year.

Whether it’s Usyk, the master technician, or Joshua, the redemption rival, Parker’s path after Wardley is where the real drama begins.