Usyk Shares Frankly with the Press About the Real Reason Why He Keeps Postponing the Match with Joseph Parker

In the world of heavyweight boxing, speculation and drama often spread faster than official announcements. Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion, recently became the center of attention after a wave of viral articles claimed he had been knocked out by Joseph Parker in a so-called clash that never actually happened.

One such article, published on Luxury Blogs, used the sensational headline:
“HE’S DONE! Joseph Parker will KNOCK OUT Oleksandr Usyk in just 5 rounds, this smart strategy will make Usyk surrender immediately.”

The article described a fantasy match where Parker allegedly knocked Usyk down in round four and finished him with a short hook in round six. But the truth, as confirmed by Sky Sports and Ring Magazine, is very different: this fight has never taken place.

So why has Usyk been postponing the match? And what are the real factors behind this delay? In an exclusive press interaction, Usyk opened up about the true reasons — reasons that go beyond simple injury excuses. This article dives deep into the facts, the fiction, and the underlying psychology of Usyk’s decisions.

The Reality: No Usyk vs. Parker Fight Yet

Despite the flurry of fake reports, as of August 2025, Oleksandr Usyk has not yet fought Joseph Parker.

• Status of negotiations: Usyk has requested the WBO to grant him an extension to recover from injuries before facing Parker.

• Mandatory challenger: Joseph Parker currently holds the WBO interim title, making him the official mandatory challenger for Usyk’s belt.

• Deadline pressure: The WBO has already issued an order for Usyk to defend his title against Parker, but the final date remains unconfirmed.

In short: Parker’s knockout of Usyk only exists in imagination, not in reality.

Why the Fake Reports Spread So Fast

Clickbait outlets thrive on exaggeration. For fans scrolling through social media, a headline about Parker destroying Usyk in five rounds is irresistible.

• Visual storytelling: These sites write blow-by-blow descriptions of fictional rounds, making readers feel as though the fight had really happened.

• Psychological play: Fans frustrated with delays often believe rumors that portray Usyk as vulnerable.

• No fact-checking: Many of these blogs provide no sources, no quotes from promoters, and no video evidence.

This misinformation, however, only adds fuel to the pressure on Usyk — both from the public and from boxing authorities.

Usyk Speaks: The Official Explanation

In his recent press conference, Usyk admitted that his main reason for requesting postponement was injury recovery.

• Shoulder strain: After his last title defense, Usyk reported lingering pain in his left shoulder, which limited his ability to spar effectively.

• Mental reset: He also mentioned the need to spend more time with family and recover mentally from the intensity of back-to-back training camps.

• Timing concerns: Usyk has always been strategic with his career moves. Facing Parker without full preparation would risk both his legacy and his undisputed status.

He summarized it in his calm, measured style:

“A champion does not run away from challenges. But a champion also knows when to listen to his body. I will fight Parker — but only when I am 100% ready.”

Imagined but Logical Additional Reasons Usyk Keeps Postponing

Beyond the surface explanation, insiders and analysts suggest that more complex factors are at play. While not officially confirmed, these reasons make logical sense in the current boxing climate:

Negotiation Tactics

Usyk may be delaying to secure better financial terms. With Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua still looming as massive pay-per-view draws, Usyk might want leverage for a bigger purse split.

Style Concerns with Parker

Joseph Parker is known for his durability, quick footwork, and underrated power. Usyk’s camp may see Parker as a “dangerous mandatory” — not a megastar like Fury, but skilled enough to upset plans. Postponement could buy time to study Parker’s tendencies.

Preserving the Undisputed Dream

Usyk has repeatedly said he wants the undisputed title. A loss to Parker before he unifies all belts would derail that legacy. Delaying could be part of a long-term chess game to keep undisputed talks alive.

Psychological Edge

By keeping Parker waiting, Usyk could be testing the challenger’s patience and conditioning. Long layoffs can frustrate a fighter like Parker, potentially giving Usyk a mental advantage when the fight finally happens.

Training Camp Adjustments

Sources close to Usyk suggest his team is revamping strategies, possibly bringing in new sparring partners from New Zealand to replicate Parker’s style. Such preparations take time.

Comparing Fiction vs. Fact

Expert Opinions: Could Parker Really Trouble Usyk?

Tony Bellew (Former Cruiserweight Champion):

“Usyk is one of the smartest fighters I’ve ever seen. But Parker has improved a lot — his timing and combinations are sharper now. If anyone can give Usyk problems, Parker is one of them.”

Lennox Lewis (Former Heavyweight King):

“Parker has the tools. He’s fast for his size. But Usyk has proven himself against bigger, stronger men. You’d have to catch him clean, and that’s the hard part.”

Fan Discussions on Reddit:

• “Parker can’t outbox Usyk, but he might land something big late.”

• “Mandatory or not, Usyk is leagues ahead. Unless age and injuries catch up, Parker’s chances are slim.”

• “I actually think Parker has the gas tank to push Usyk — if Usyk’s shoulder isn’t fully healed, this gets interesting.”

Parker’s Position: Hungry but Waiting

Joseph Parker has been vocal about wanting the fight to happen sooner rather than later. Holding the WBO interim belt, he believes Usyk has a duty to defend against him.

“I respect Usyk, but boxing is about fighting, not waiting. The fans want this, and I am ready today. The longer he waits, the sharper I become.”

Usyk’s Legacy at Stake

Every delay fuels speculation that Usyk might be avoiding Parker — a narrative that could tarnish his otherwise flawless reputation. However, fans must remember that Usyk has already defeated the likes of Anthony Joshua (twice) and Daniel Dubois. His track record shows he has never backed down from a challenge.

But the longer the Parker fight drags on, the more pressure builds. If Usyk vacates the WBO title instead of fighting, critics may see it as a crack in his armor.

Conclusion: A Fight That Must Happen

The Usyk vs. Parker saga is a mixture of truth, fiction, and strategy. On one hand, clickbait sites have fabricated outcomes of a fight that has never occurred. On the other, Usyk himself has admitted to postponements due to injury, preparation, and timing.

At its core, the real reason Usyk keeps delaying is a combination of physical recovery, strategic positioning, and long-term legacy protection.

One thing is certain: this fight cannot be avoided forever. Parker, as the WBO mandatory challenger, will eventually get his chance. When it does happen, the world will finally see whether the “fictional knockout” turns into reality — or if Usyk once again proves why he is one of the greatest technicians of this era.