WBO interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) has made it clear that his next goal is a world title shot following his victory over Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs).
The New Zealander has set his sights on a clash with either WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) or IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs).
“The next step is a title fight. It would be incredible to share the ring with Usyk or Dubois. But first, I’m taking a break and heading home to see my family.
It’s not up to me—I can only control what’s within my power. If my next fight is for a world title, that would be amazing,” Parker said.
For context, Parker was originally scheduled to face Dubois on February 22, but the British fighter withdrew due to illness. Just two days before the fight, Bakole stepped in as a replacement—only to be knocked out by Parker in the second round.