Joseph Parker Responds: Does He Believe the Usyk Fight Will Happen?

Interim WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker shared his thoughts on a possible fight with Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk.

– The fight you want most is against Oleksandr Usyk?

– Yes, of course. Usyk is a great champion. He deserves rest, time with his family, a vacation. He’s been very busy lately as the undisputed champion. He was given an extension on the deadline to decide if he’ll fight me.

It would be great if we could agree on a fight, and he could recover in peace. It looks like he has an injury. But what he’s achieved in boxing is simply incredible. I want to test myself against the best — and right now, that’s him.

– How did you take this extension? Do you believe the fight with Usyk will happen?

– To be honest, I don’t think I’ll get this fight. I think he and his team are considering different options right now. Maybe he’ll decide to retire. Or maybe he’ll want a different fight for bigger money. He’s keeping the door open. But Usyk is a man of honor, and whatever he decides, I wish him luck. He’s earned it, because right now he controls the situation.

– Lawrence Okolie said he hopes Usyk vacates the belts so other fighters can compete for them. Would you prefer that, or still face Usyk himself?

– I’d prefer to face Usyk himself. He’s already beaten all the Brits. So why not test the New Zealander?

– But realistically, do you believe this fight will happen? Or are you more likely to fight for a vacant title?

– I don’t know what will happen. I don’t want to claim, “it will be like this.” My job is to secure the next fight and stay active. Time goes quickly. Activity is key. If it were up to me, I’d fight three or four times a year. But that’s unlikely.

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) granted Usyk an extension for negotiations on his mandatory defense against Parker.

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.

In February, Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) stopped Martin Bakole by technical knockout in the second round.

Photo: DAZN