JOSEPH PARKER looks set to extend his wait for a richly deserved world title shot, while also defending his WBO ‘interim’ strap against one of three British heavyweights.
Or at least, that is what his manager, Spencer Brown, has suggested, with Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley and Derek Chisora having all emerged as potential opponents for the leading contender.
Parker, 36-3 (24 KOs), has, of course, previously claimed a world title, of which he made several defences, yet the opportunity to test himself against bona fide king Oleksandr Usyk nonetheless remains an enticing possibility.
But regardless of whether that fight materialises, Brown has told Boxing News that the 33-year-old’s next outing, against one of the aforementioned names, is likely to take place before the end of 2025.
Daniel Dubois
While this fight was supposed to take place in February, it could be said that, since then, the matchup has only become more intriguing.
Even with Daniel Dubois losing to Usyk, in the manner in which he did, the noise surrounding his pre-fight party, and now departure from Don Charles, would make for a particularly compelling story ahead of a potential encounter with Parker.
More than that, Dubois, 22-3 (21 KOs), comfortably remains a top-five heavyweight, and when considering his lights-out power, Parker would certainly need to be on his Ps and Qs if their contest is to be revisited.
Fabio Wardley
If social media speculation is to be believed, then it looks like Fabio Wardley and Parker have booked themselves a one-way ticket to the O2 Arena, London, on October 25.
Sure enough, with Wardley coming off a truly awe-inspiring finish over Justis Huni, it must be said that their possible showdown comes with no small amount of lustre.
In that same breath, though, it should also be highlighted that, against Parker – who, excluding Usyk, is perhaps the division’s most proven technician – Wardley is likely to, once again, find himself on the receiving end of a comprehensive boxing lesson.
This time around, it will be interesting to see whether the explosive puncher, against the typically durable New Zealander, can somehow pull a rabbit out the hat.
Derek Chisora
Now, this is the moment where we all release a unanimous sigh of frustration.
Boxing, like most things in life, has a way of pulling us in, almost like a poisoned apple, only to then feed us a steaming pile of something far less appealing.
While Derek Chisora, 36-13 (23 KOs), comes off two notable victories, which both appeared impressive at face value, any calls for retirement are nonetheless more justified than what could surely be a disastrous 50th outing.
Not only that but a trilogy with Parker, who delivered a ferociously punishing display in their second encounter, remains far removed from the top of any boxing aficionados’ wish list.
