“If He Wants to Be the Best of This Era.” Who Usyk Must Face, According to the Promoter

Promoter David Higgins, who handles WBO interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, insists Oleksandr Usyk must meet his fighter to cement his legacy.

“The whole world wants to see Parker fight for the world title. He’s waited a long time. He’s the leading contender — the WBO mandatory. It would be unfair if he doesn’t get his chance.

He’s the No. 1 challenger, the WBO mandatory, and — so far as I understand — the WBO has ordered the winner to face Joseph.

Joseph Parker is a veteran who’s shared the ring with the likes of Joshua, and recently beat fighters such as Andy Ruiz, Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Bakole. He’s beaten them all.

So, if Oleksandr Usyk truly wants to claim he’s the best heavyweight of this era, he has to beat Joseph Parker too — he hasn’t fought him yet.

It would be foolish to box men he’s already defeated when Parker is the top contender.

Joseph is ready. He fights to win the world title — the unified world title. That’s his goal.

He’s already beaten many top fighters, but he’d gladly seize the chance to fight for that crown. If an offer comes at year’s end — great. If it’s next year, I’m sure he’ll take it.

He’s stepped in as the underdog against fearsome opponents others avoid. Joseph gets better every fight.

He’s not afraid at all. He believes he can beat Oleksandr,” Higgins said.

Parker is the WBO mandatory challenger to face Usyk.

Photo: Reuters