Usyk only wants to collect belts, so he is afraid to fight Joseph Parker and just wants to focus on the easier opponent, Dubois.

As the heavyweight division edges closer to a unification showdown, fans and analysts are starting to ask tough questions. Chief among them: is Oleksandr Usyk avoiding Joseph Parker and prioritizing an easier opponent like Daniel Dubois just to collect belts?

Usyk’s recent moves in the boxing world have stirred controversy. While the Ukrainian superstar remains undefeated and is widely praised for his skill, footwork, and ring IQ, the narrative around his opponent choices is shifting. Many now question whether Usyk’s obsession with belts is leading him to sidestep more dangerous opponents — and if this strategy might tarnish his legacy.

Joseph Parker’s resurgence is too big to ignore

After his devastating loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, many fans thought Joseph Parker’s days at the top of the heavyweight division were over. But since that moment, Parker has turned his career around with a remarkable resurgence. His most notable comeback moment came in December 2023 when he defeated Deontay Wilder via unanimous decision — a victory that shocked the boxing world and re-established Parker as a serious contender.

Since then, Parker has continued building momentum, defeating Zhilei Zhang and firmly placing himself in the top tier of the heavyweight rankings. His blend of footwork, stamina, and improved defense makes him a difficult opponent for anyone — even someone as technically brilliant as Oleksandr Usyk.

So why isn’t Usyk interested?

Usyk vs. Dubois: A rematch nobody asked for?

While the first fight between Usyk and Daniel Dubois in August 2023 ended with a knockout win for Usyk, it wasn’t without controversy. Dubois knocked Usyk down with a shot to the body that was ruled a low blow — a decision that sparked heated debates in the boxing community.

Since then, Dubois has pushed for a rematch, and Frank Warren has made no secret of wanting to put the fight back together. Despite Usyk already winning decisively, there’s now strong speculation that the Ukrainian might be open to facing Dubois again — especially with Wembley being considered as the venue in July 2025.

But fans are asking the real question: why would Usyk choose to face Dubois again instead of taking on Joseph Parker, who has clearly done more to earn a title shot in the past year?

Is Usyk prioritizing belts over challenges?

One of the most persistent criticisms surrounding Oleksandr Usyk is that he is more focused on collecting belts than testing himself against the most dangerous opponents. This theory gained traction after his historic victories against Anthony Joshua — bouts that earned him the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts — and his willingness to wait for Tyson Fury for months just to unify the division.

That belt-chasing mindset isn’t necessarily wrong. In boxing, legacy is often built on titles. But when it becomes an excuse to avoid more formidable contenders like Joseph Parker, it begins to tarnish the perception of greatness.

Frank Warren’s hidden strategy?

Frank Warren, the promoter behind both Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury, has a vested interest in controlling who fights for titles. Some analysts believe Warren is positioning Dubois for another payday, knowing that Usyk might view him as a lower-risk opponent. A rematch in Wembley — especially in front of a packed UK crowd — would be commercially successful, even if competitively underwhelming.

There’s also the idea that Warren might want to protect Joseph Parker for a future big-money clash. Parker is now a major draw in both the UK and Australia/New Zealand. By keeping him away from Usyk, Warren may be setting him up for a headline fight later this year — perhaps against Anthony Joshua or even Tyson Fury.

Still, fans are left wondering: Why not make the fight everyone wants — Usyk vs. Parker — happen right now?

Joseph Parker is not just another contender

Unlike many in the division, Joseph Parker has earned his stripes. He’s fought Dillian Whyte, Andy Ruiz Jr., Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, and Deontay Wilder. He’s held the WBO heavyweight title and now sits at the doorstep of another title shot. More importantly, he’s shown evolution. The Joseph Parker of 2024 and 2025 is not the same fighter who struggled against AJ in 2018. He’s smarter, leaner, and more aggressive.

Avoiding Parker now, while offering Dubois a second shot, could easily be interpreted as a dodge — especially when Dubois hasn’t done nearly enough to earn another shot at Usyk, despite his solid but less convincing performances after the first loss.

Public pressure is mounting

The boxing community is not blind. Prominent voices — including Carl Froch, Johnny Nelson, and even Teddy Atlas — have questioned the logic behind a Dubois rematch. Social media is full of fans demanding the Usyk vs. Parker fight instead.

“If Usyk really wants to prove he’s the best, Parker is the fight, not Dubois,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Another added: “Fighting Dubois again after stopping him once? That’s legacy padding, not greatness.”

Even some of Usyk’s Ukrainian fans have expressed frustration. They admire his skill, his patriotism, and his heart — but they want him to silence the doubters by taking on the best, not just the belt holders.

Is Dubois really an easier fight?

Let’s not forget that Daniel Dubois is still young and dangerous, with knockout power and an improving jab. But the reality is clear: compared to Joseph Parker, Dubois has more flaws and less experience against elite opponents.

Usyk already beat him, and while the low-blow controversy gave Dubois a brief moment of hope, most analysts agree that Usyk was in control of the fight from start to finish. A rematch wouldn’t likely be much different — unless Dubois brings something new and unexpected.

That’s why many believe Usyk is leaning toward Dubois not because of public demand, but because of lower risk.

What happens to Parker if the fight doesn’t happen?

The concern now is whether Joseph Parker will be forced to wait again, just as he did in 2022 and 2023. Despite his recent wins, Parker still lacks a guaranteed shot at the world titles. If Usyk chooses Dubois and Fury is tied up with other obligations, Parker may be left in limbo once again.

That would be a disservice not just to Parker, but to boxing fans who crave meaningful, competitive matchups.

Conclusion: Usyk’s legacy depends on who he fights next

There’s no doubt that Oleksandr Usyk is a generational talent. His footwork, intelligence, and championship mindset are elite. But with greatness comes expectation. Fans want to see champions take on the best, not just the belt-holders or easier matchups.

Choosing to fight Daniel Dubois again instead of Joseph Parker may bring Usyk another paycheck and another belt — but it won’t silence the critics.

If Usyk truly wants to cement his place among the all-time greats, the next fight needs to be against someone who can push him. And right now, that man is Joseph Parker.