AFTER a tremendous run of victories, Joseph Parker seems destined to collide with Oleksandr Usyk next year and now the New Zealander’s trainer has revealed that he knows why his man can overcome the Ukrainian superstar.
Parker, 36-3 (24 KOs), outpointed Andy Ruiz to get his hands on the vacant WBO heavyweight title back in 2016 but would lose the strap to Anthony Joshua after making two defences.
Defeat to Dillian Whyte followed, thrusting Parker out of the title picture, but a six-fight win streak saw him earn a shot at Joe Joyce and the WBO Interim title in 2022, where he was knocked out for the first time in his career.
Since then, Parker has once again strung six triumphs together and had been scheduled to challenge Daniel Dubois for the Briton’s IBF heavyweight world title earlier this year, until the latter pulled out due to illness.
Although many felt Parker deserved a shot at Usyk, 23-0 (14 KOs), and the unified heavyweight belts, it is instead Dubois who will rematch his fellow champion in the summer, with Parker expected to take on the victor for the undisputed crown.
Speaking with Sky Sports, trainer Andy Lee admitted that he cannot recall such an in-form heavyweight not being given the opportunity to challenge for world honours.
“I can’t remember a heavyweight who has been on this run of form like Joe has. Wilder, Zhang. Before that Simon Kean, before that Jack Massey, who was a good fighter and well-motivated.
“Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, Martin Bakole. Six fights on the trot [Parker’s won since the loss to Joe Joyce] and each performance has been more impressive than the last.
“I can’t recall a heavyweight that’s been in that type of form without getting a title fight. So, he’s earned it. He deserves it.”
Parker is expected to have a fight in the meantime, as he patiently awaits his deserved crack at boxing’s most coveted prize, with Lee confidently stating that he knows why the Kiwi will come out on top if he and Usyk do eventually meet.
“I think [Parker] beats Usyk. I know why Joseph can win this fight. He just needs the chance to prove it.
“For me Joseph deserves the fight, he’s earned it and he’s the biggest challenge out there for Usyk.”
Should Dubois pull off the upset and hand Usyk his first career defeat, it is assumed that Parker would instead face ‘Triple D’ for the undisputed heavyweight title – although Usyk could possibly intervene and force a trilogy clash with the Londoner.
