Joseph Parker: “When Usyk Is Ready, I’ll Gladly Begin Negotiations”

Interim WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker commented on the delay in negotiations regarding a fight with Undisputed World Champion Oleksandr Usyk.

– It would be foolish to ask if you’d like your next fight against Moses Itauma, because you want Usyk next, don’t you?

– Yes, I want my next fight to be against Usyk. I know he deserves this time to relax and spend with his family. When he’s ready, I’ll gladly begin negotiations, and we’ll see if we can make the fight happen.

– Does the postponement of negotiations give you more hope that the fight could take place?

– I don’t know. There’s a delay to give him more time because of the injury, and I hope that when he decides to return, we can reach an agreement. If we manage to do that, it will be great.

On July 19, Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to become the undisputed champion of the world for the third time. On July 23, the WBO officially sanctioned a fight between Usyk and Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs). Later, Usyk requested a postponement of negotiations due to a back injury.

Photo: The Independent