Tyson Fury is backing the fight and he thinks the betting on the fight will be very attractive.

Oleksandr Usyk has established himself as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of this generation. The Ukrainian champion rose to prominence after an undefeated run in the cruiserweight division, where he became the undisputed champion. However, his real dominance started when he moved up to the heavyweight division and dethroned Anthony Joshua in 2021.

Since then, Usyk has continued his reign by defeating some of the best fighters in the world. He shocked the boxing world when he beat Tyson Fury in May 2024 and once again in a rematch in December 2024, solidifying his status as the king of the division. With a record of 23 wins, zero losses, and 14 knockouts, Usyk has proven himself to be a tactical genius with incredible movement, speed, and precision.

On the other side of the ring stands Joseph Parker, a New Zealand powerhouse who is no stranger to world titles. Parker held the WBO heavyweight championship from 2016 to 2018 before losing it to Anthony Joshua in a unification bout. Over the years, Parker has had ups and downs in his career, but he has remained a dangerous contender in the division.

After securing a massive victory over Martin Bakole in February 2025, Parker captured the WBO interim title, positioning himself as the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s WBO belt. This upcoming clash is not just another fight; it is a battle for supremacy and a chance for Parker to reclaim his place among the best.

WBO Orders the Fight: The Official Mandate

On March 13, 2025, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) officially ordered Oleksandr Usyk to defend his WBO title against Joseph Parker. The two camps now have 30 days to negotiate and finalize a deal before the fight goes to a purse bid.

If negotiations are successful, the boxing world will witness a high-stakes battle between two elite fighters. If not, the highest bidder will secure the promotional rights for this historic event. Parker’s team, led by his promoter David Higgins, has already expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with Usyk’s camp.

This decision from the WBO was expected since Parker earned the interim title by defeating Bakole. However, the fight’s announcement has sparked debates among fans and experts about how the New Zealand fighter will handle the masterful boxing skills of Usyk.

Tyson Fury’s Take: A Show of Support for Joseph Parker

One of the biggest voices in the boxing world, Tyson Fury, has made it clear that he is rooting for Joseph Parker. The British heavyweight, who suffered two consecutive defeats to Usyk, shares a close friendship with Parker and has been a key training partner for him in the past.

In a recent interview, Fury said, Parker has all the tools to shock the world. He is strong, powerful, and has learned a lot over the years. If he fights smart, he can give Usyk real trouble.

The support from Fury is significant, as he knows firsthand what it is like to face Usyk. His insight into Usyk’s fighting style could prove beneficial for Parker as he prepares for the biggest challenge of his career.

Clash of Styles: The Key to Victory

The upcoming battle between Usyk and Parker is a fascinating clash of styles.

Usyk is a master technician, known for his ability to control distance, land precise punches, and use superior footwork to outmaneuver opponents. His boxing IQ is among the highest in the sport, and he has proven that he can neutralize power punchers like Joshua and Fury.

On the other hand, Parker relies on aggression, pressure, and knockout power. He has excellent hand speed for a heavyweight and has been working on improving his stamina and ring generalship. If he can cut off the ring and force Usyk into close-range exchanges, he could have a chance to land his powerful shots.

However, the biggest challenge for Parker will be dealing with Usyk’s movement and counterpunching. Many elite heavyweights have struggled to pin Usyk down, and unless Parker finds a way to disrupt his rhythm, he could face a long night in the ring.

What’s at Stake: The Impact on the Heavyweight Division

This fight is not just about the WBO championship. It has massive implications for the entire heavyweight division.

If Usyk wins, he will continue his reign as the undisputed champion and possibly set up a third fight with Tyson Fury or a blockbuster showdown with Daniel Dubois. There is also speculation that a fight with Jared Anderson could be on the horizon if Usyk remains at the top.

For Parker, a victory would be career-defining. Defeating Usyk would put him back at the center of the heavyweight spotlight, possibly leading to fights against other top contenders like Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua. A win would also make him the first New Zealand fighter to become a two-time heavyweight world champion, an achievement that would solidify his legacy.

Expert Predictions: Who Will Win?

The boxing community is divided on this matchup.

Many analysts believe Usyk will be too skilled and too quick for Parker. His ability to adjust mid-fight and his championship experience give him a significant advantage. If Parker cannot land his power punches early, Usyk will likely outbox him over 12 rounds and secure another decisive victory.

However, some believe Parker has the tools to pull off the upset. He has improved tremendously over the years, and if he can apply relentless pressure and target Usyk’s body, he may slow the champion down and capitalize in the later rounds.

When and Where Will the Fight Take Place?

While negotiations are still ongoing, there are strong rumors that the fight could take place in Las Vegas, Saudi Arabia, or London. Las Vegas has always been a premier location for boxing mega-events, while Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in the sport, hosting major fights in recent years.

A summer 2025 fight date seems likely, but until an official announcement is made, fans will have to wait for confirmation.

Final Thoughts: A Heavyweight Battle for the Ages

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing fights of the year. With Usyk’s technical brilliance facing off against Parker’s raw power and determination, this fight promises to deliver excitement, drama, and possibly a career-defining moment for one of these warriors.

Will Usyk continue his reign of dominance, or will Parker shock the world and claim the biggest victory of his career? One thing is certain: this is a fight that no boxing fan should miss.

Stay tuned for updates as the fight date, venue, and undercard details are finalized. The countdown to this heavyweight war has begun.