Usyk’s Next Move: A Choice Between Parker and a Rising Star

The heavyweight division is never short of drama, and once again, all eyes are firmly on Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian star, widely regarded as one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters in the world, holds the undisputed heavyweight crown. Yet, despite his dominance, the big question now is: who will Oleksandr Usyk fight next?

Will it be the seasoned veteran Joseph Parker, who has stormed his way back into contention, or the youthful and dangerous rising contender Moses Itauma, who many believe is destined to change the landscape of boxing? The decision Usyk makes in the coming weeks could shape not only his career but the entire future of the division.

Usyk’s Current Position in the Heavyweight Division

Oleksandr Usyk has already carved out a glittering legacy. He conquered the cruiserweight ranks with a clean sweep of the division before moving up to heavyweight, where he dethroned Anthony Joshua and proved his adaptability against bigger, stronger opponents. His skills, footwork, and ring IQ have made him a nightmare for heavyweights who rely primarily on power.

Most recently, Usyk delivered a devastating knockout win over Daniel Dubois, silencing critics who claimed his lack of one-punch power would be a weakness at heavyweight. After that fight, Usyk took some much-needed time off, citing an injury and earning a negotiation extension from the WBO. That delay has only fueled speculation about who his next opponent will be.

The Joseph Parker Option

One of the most obvious choices for Usyk’s next bout is Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion.

Parker has rebuilt his career in spectacular fashion over the past two years, stringing together high-profile victories that have placed him back on the map:

• Victory over Deontay Wilder, where Parker’s discipline and chin nullified Wilder’s feared power.

• Win against Zhilei Zhang, proving he could outwork one of the division’s largest and most awkward fighters.

• Defeat of Martin Bakole, where Parker showcased grit, stamina, and adaptability.

Currently, Parker is the WBO mandatory challenger, meaning Usyk may be obligated to face him next. The matchup makes sense from a sporting perspective: Parker is in form, highly ranked, and poses a legitimate test.

However, not everyone is convinced this fight excites Usyk.

Eddie Hearn’s Perspective: Where’s the Motivation?

Promoter Eddie Hearn has openly questioned whether Usyk would be truly motivated to fight Parker. Speaking on the matter, he asked:

“Do you want to fight Joseph Parker? Where’s the motivation? It’s a tough fight; the money isn’t great. And you’re just defending your title. Does that fight motivate you?”

For a fighter like Usyk, who has already cemented himself as one of the greats, the desire now is not just to defend belts but to add to his legacy. Hearn suggests that while Parker is a worthy opponent, the financial and historical rewards may not be enough to capture Usyk’s full interest.

Enter Moses Itauma: The Rising Phenomenon

If Parker represents the logical choice, Moses Itauma represents the thrilling wildcard. At just 20 years old, Itauma is already being touted as a potential future world champion. Born in Chatham, Kent, the young Brit has been dismantling opponents with a mixture of speed, power, and composure far beyond his years.

Itauma’s name is now in serious discussions for an IBF title eliminator, and he has quickly risen through the WBO rankings, sitting just below Parker. His talent is undeniable, and his rapid development has sparked comparisons to legends like Mike Tyson in terms of raw ability.

For Usyk, facing Itauma would be a bold and daring move — taking on a fighter from the next generation before he has even reached his peak. For Itauma, it would be the ultimate fast track to stardom, a chance to dethrone a living legend and announce himself as the new face of heavyweight boxing.

Parker vs Wardley: The Interim Puzzle

Adding complexity to the situation is the fact that Joseph Parker is set to fight Fabio Wardley for the WBO interim title. Wardley, another exciting British contender, has made waves with his knockout power, stopping Frazer Clarke in a round and rescuing a fight against Justis Huni with a dramatic late stoppage.

The outcome of Parker vs Wardley will directly influence Usyk’s decision. The WBO rules state that Usyk must defend against the interim champion, which means his options may be narrowed whether he likes it or not.

Still, boxing has a way of bending rules when the money and interest are right. A blockbuster fight with Moses Itauma could be arranged if all parties are willing.

What’s Really at Stake for Usyk?

At this stage of his career, Oleksandr Usyk isn’t just fighting for belts — he’s fighting for his legacy. His next opponent must tick three crucial boxes:

1. Motivation – Does the fight excite him and push him to prepare at his best?

2. Financial reward – Is the bout lucrative enough to reflect his status as the undisputed champion?

3. Historical significance – Will the fight add to his reputation as one of the all-time greats?

Against Parker or Wardley, Usyk would face a tough challenge, but one that may be viewed as a routine title defense. Against Itauma, he would be daring to step into the unknown, facing a raw but highly dangerous opponent with nothing to lose.

The Risk and Reward of Facing Moses Itauma

There are two schools of thought when it comes to Usyk vs Itauma:

• High risk, high reward: If Usyk beats Itauma, he silences the hype and proves he can outclass the next generation, further elevating his status.

• Danger of an upset: Itauma’s youth, size, and explosive talent could spring a shock, potentially derailing Usyk’s legacy in an unexpected way.

This gamble is what makes the fight so intriguing. Itauma is not yet a household name, but his trajectory suggests he soon will be. Usyk has the chance to get ahead of the curve and face him before he becomes untouchable.

The Heavyweight Division’s Future

Whatever Usyk decides, the heavyweight division is on the verge of a major shake-up. Tyson Fury’s schedule, Anthony Joshua’s resurgence, Parker’s momentum, Wardley’s rise, and Itauma’s emergence all add to the unpredictability.

Usyk’s choice will likely dictate how the division unfolds in the next two years:

• Usyk vs Parker/Wardley: A traditional title defense, keeping things stable.

• Usyk vs Itauma: A passing-of-the-torch showdown that could define an era.

Either way, the heavyweight scene looks set for explosive nights ahead.

Final Thoughts: Usyk’s Legacy on the Line

As fans wait for the announcement, one thing is clear: Oleksandr Usyk’s next fight will be one of the most important decisions of his career. Choosing Joseph Parker or Fabio Wardley offers a reliable, mandatory path. Choosing Moses Itauma offers risk, excitement, and the chance to further cement his legacy as a fearless champion who never backed down from a challenge.

The Ukrainian’s next move isn’t just about belts — it’s about motivation, history, and the future of heavyweight boxing. With Itauma rising fast and Parker in top form, the stage is set for Usyk to make a decision that could shape the heavyweight division for years to come.