Parker Believes Usyk Was Happy About Wardley's Win — and Explains Why

Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker believes that undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk is likely pleased with Parker’s loss to Fabio Wardley, which took place on October 25 at the O2 Arena in London.

– I feel like, for some reason, Usyk wasn’t really interested in fighting me. I’m not saying he was afraid or anything like that. Do you think he’s happy that you’re not his opponent now?

– I think so.

Not because he’s scared or avoiding the challenge. I think it’s because I’m from a small place — New Zealand, Samoa — all the way on the other side of the world. And fighters from this part of the world don’t have the same fanbase, the same media presence.

And maybe there’s another reason: a fight with someone from a different region might simply be more lucrative.

Parker (36-4, 24 KOs) lost to Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) by knockout in the 11th round. At the moment of the stoppage, Joseph was ahead on two of the three scorecards.