Usyk Picks Parker as the Priority – But Itauma Is Ready to Wreck Every Plan in a Single Night!
Heavyweight boxing fans are on the edge of their seats. The world of boxing is buzzing with speculation as Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion, navigates his next career-defining move. While the boxing universe wonders who will step into the ring with Usyk next, one name keeps emerging as the most likely contender: Joseph Parker. But the question remains—will Usyk play it safe or risk it all against a dangerous newcomer like Moses Itauma or even Tyson Fury?
The Rules Are Clear: Parker is WBO Mandatory
At the heart of this discussion is Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s team director, who has been explicit about the rules guiding the champion’s next fight. Lapin stated, “We have a rule. We need to talk with the team, and the next opponent is Parker. If this fight isn’t happening in Saudi Arabia, we’ll see where we make it.” His words have confirmed that while the boxing world is rife with speculation about high-profile matchups, Usyk’s WBO mandatory challenger—Joseph Parker—remains the priority.
This isn’t just a formality. WBO regulations require champions to face mandatory challengers to maintain their titles. Skipping a mandatory fight risks losing belts and credibility. For Usyk, a fighter renowned for his technical brilliance and strategic mind, the decision is more than a contractual obligation—it’s a calculated career move.
Moses Itauma: The Wild Card Everyone is Talking About
While Parker stands as the official challenger, fans and analysts are increasingly intrigued by Moses Itauma, a rising heavyweight whose power and unpredictability have made him a “must-watch” fighter. Described by insiders as a “dangerous wild card,” Itauma has the ability to turn even the most carefully planned fights into chaotic spectacles.
The question boxing fans are asking is simple but provocative: should Usyk face the safe path with Parker or embrace the high-risk, high-reward scenario of Itauma?
Why Fighting Itauma Could Be a Career-Defining Moment
Itauma’s style is aggressive, raw, and highly unpredictable. A bout with him isn’t just a fight—it’s a statement. For Usyk, defeating a young powerhouse with explosive potential could solidify his legacy as one of the most versatile and fearless champions in modern heavyweight boxing history. However, the risks are enormous. A single misstep could disrupt years of strategic dominance, especially if Itauma lands an unexpected knockout.
Tyson Fury Factor: Dream Match or Distraction?
Another name that inevitably enters the conversation is Tyson Fury, the charismatic and formidable heavyweight from the UK. Fans have long fantasized about a showdown between Usyk and Fury, seeing it as a clash of styles and personalities that could dominate headlines worldwide. But is this the right time for such a mega-fight?
Analysts argue that while Usyk vs. Fury is undeniably lucrative and media-friendly, taking on Fury before addressing mandatory challengers could jeopardize title holdings and contractual obligations. Boxing insiders describe this as the classic dilemma of balancing risk, reward, and regulation, a chess match that extends beyond the ropes.
Strategic Implications for Usyk
Choosing Parker is a calculated move with minimal risk. Parker is a skilled and experienced heavyweight, but he is known for his technical vulnerabilities—a matchup that allows Usyk to assert dominance without jeopardizing his unbeaten momentum.
On the other hand, engaging Itauma or Fury involves a higher degree of uncertainty. These fights are media goldmines—guaranteed to drive social media engagement, pay-per-view sales, and global headlines—but they also carry the danger of an upset that could shake Usyk’s carefully built career trajectory.
Fan Reactions: Divided Loyalties and Heated Debates
Social media has exploded with speculation. On Twitter, fans debate fiercely: “Parker is safe, but where’s the thrill?” contrasts with “Itauma could make history—Usyk needs to take the challenge!” Meanwhile, boxing forums are lit with discussions about Fury vs. Usyk as the ultimate dream match, and how it might redefine the heavyweight division for years to come.
The debate is not just about entertainment—it’s about legacy. For a fighter like Usyk, who has already conquered multiple divisions and earned widespread acclaim for his technique and heart, the next fight is as much about cementing his place in boxing history as it is about financial gain or fan satisfaction.
What Sergey Lapin’s Comments Really Mean
Lapin’s words, while seemingly simple, carry multiple layers of meaning. By confirming Parker as the mandatory opponent, he signals that Usyk’s camp is playing by the rules and respecting organizational obligations. At the same time, leaving the door open for other high-profile bouts indicates that Usyk’s team is strategically positioning him for maximum leverage—whether in negotiations, location, or media coverage.
This approach underscores a broader trend in heavyweight boxing: champions today are not just athletes—they are brands, negotiators, and media entities, carefully managing every detail of their public and professional personas.
Where Could the Fight Happen?
Location is another element sparking curiosity. Lapin mentioned Saudi Arabia, which has become a hotspot for major boxing events in recent years. The kingdom offers massive pay-per-view potential, high-end production, and global media attention. But Lapin also hinted at flexibility: “We’ll see where we make it.” This could mean anything from Las Vegas to London, giving fans and analysts an extra layer of intrigue and speculation.
The Legacy Question: Playing Safe or Making History?
At the end of the day, the central question remains: what does Usyk want his legacy to be? Playing it safe with Parker guarantees a WBO title defense and continued technical dominance. Going for Itauma or Fury, however, offers the potential for historic impact, media frenzy, and global attention—but with real risk.
Boxing historians often point out that career-defining moments often come from risk, not security. Every champion faces the choice between cementing their current status and daring for immortality. For Usyk, the decision will likely define not only the next chapter of his career but also how future generations remember him.
Conclusion: Parker or Risk the Unknown?
Usyk stands at a crossroads. The WBO mandatory challenger, Joseph Parker, represents the safe and strategically sound choice, ensuring continuity and adherence to boxing regulations. Yet the allure of a high-risk showdown with Moses Itauma or Tyson Fury tempts both fans and analysts with promises of epic drama, record-breaking pay-per-view, and legacy-defining action.
In the coming weeks, as negotiations and announcements unfold, the boxing world will be watching every move, every statement, and every hint from Usyk’s camp. Will he face the expected challenger or embrace the unpredictability of a career-defining gamble? One thing is certain: wherever Usyk steps into the ring next, the global boxing spotlight will be laser-focused on him.
