Joseph Parker, the current interim WBO heavyweight champion, has made his ambitions clear despite facing an uncertain path to the top. While his ranking might suggest he is in contention for a bout with Oleksandr Usyk, Parker acknowledges that he is not the frontrunner for such a fight. Instead, he has set his sights on a highly anticipated rematch with Anthony Joshua.

Following a spectacular knockout victory over Martin Bakole in Saudi Arabia—where Bakole stepped in as a last-minute replacement for an unwell Daniel Dubois—the 33-year-old New Zealand fighter renewed his challenge to Usyk for the heavyweight title. However, with Usyk focused on a potential showdown with Dubois for the IBF championship, Parker’s chances of securing a fight against the Ukrainian champion appear slim.

Parker’s Recent Triumphs and His Quest for a Title Shot

Parker has built an impressive resume, securing victories against notable names such as Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and most recently, Martin Bakole. Yet, since his defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2018, he has struggled to reclaim a major heavyweight title. Despite making a strong case for a title shot, Usyk has already dismissed the possibility of facing Parker, choosing instead to prioritize Dubois in his quest to secure another undisputed heavyweight championship.

Recognizing the slim chance of securing a fight with Usyk, Parker has openly admitted his desire for a rematch with Joshua. Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s show, Parker shared his frustration, stating:

“It feels like we were so close to fighting for a real title, and then suddenly, Dubois got sick, and now they’re setting up a big fight between Usyk and Dubois. I’m not sure what we need to do to get a world title shot.”

Uncertainty in the Heavyweight Division

Parker has voiced his disappointment over Dubois pulling out of their originally scheduled fight, expressing his uncertainty over what steps to take next. He emphasized his readiness to fight either Usyk or Dubois, saying:

“If I could fight anyone, it would be Usyk. Dubois, we had that fight scheduled, and he withdrew—without any explanation. Either of those two would be great opponents.”

When asked if he believes he could be next in line for Usyk, Parker remained doubtful:

“I’m not sure at all if that will be the next fight. It would be great if it happens, but as you know, boxing has a lot of things happening behind the scenes that we don’t always hear about or understand.”

Parker expressed his frustration with the politics of the sport, suggesting that despite his willingness to take on all comers, he has no clear path to a heavyweight title fight.

“Things are always being arranged behind the scenes. But I’m not sure if a fight with Usyk will be next. Honestly, I don’t know who my next opponent will be, but I’m willing to fight anyone and everyone to get a chance at a world title.”

Parker’s Possible Paths Forward

As Usyk and Dubois prepare for their likely clash, Parker has hinted at a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua. Speaking about his future in the sport, Parker speculated on his next move:

“So, I’m not too sure. What can we do? What should we do in this situation? Should we wait for the winner of that fight (Usyk vs. Dubois), or should we stay active and keep moving forward, fighting other top heavyweights?”

Given his list of preferred opponents—Usyk, Dubois, and Joshua—Parker is keeping his options open. He reaffirmed his desire to fight Joshua again, stating:

“But when we focus on ourselves and my career, I think those three names—Usyk, Dubois, and Joshua—will be the ones to look out for next.”

Could a Joshua vs. Parker Rematch Happen?

A rematch between Parker and Anthony Joshua would be a significant event in the heavyweight division. Their first encounter in 2018 saw Joshua claim a unanimous decision victory, unifying the WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles. Since then, both fighters have undergone ups and downs in their careers, making a second fight an intriguing prospect for fans.

Joshua, who has been on a comeback trail after suffering defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Usyk, remains one of the biggest names in the sport. A rematch with Parker would not only be a lucrative bout but also a meaningful test for both fighters as they aim to reassert their dominance in the heavyweight division.

Parker’s recent performances have demonstrated his improved boxing skills and knockout power, and he believes he would pose a greater threat to Joshua this time around. If a fight with Usyk does not materialize, the Joshua rematch could be the next logical step.

How Parker Has Evolved Since Their First Fight

Since his loss to Joshua, Parker has shown significant growth as a fighter. His performances against Wilder, Zhang, and Bakole have proven that he has become a more aggressive and well-rounded boxer. Unlike their first bout, where Joshua’s superior reach and tactical boxing secured him a decision win, a rematch could see Parker pressing forward with greater intensity.

One key difference between Parker then and now is his ability to adapt mid-fight. Against Zhilei Zhang, he demonstrated an ability to switch strategies, frustrating his opponent and dictating the pace. His knockout victory over Bakole further emphasized his growing punching power, something that was missing in his first encounter with Joshua.

If Parker can maintain this new level of performance, a rematch with Joshua could be far more competitive. While Joshua remains a dangerous opponent with devastating knockout power, his vulnerabilities against fighters with strong chins and relentless pressure have been exposed in recent fights.

The Heavyweight Division’s Unpredictable Future

The current state of the heavyweight division is highly unpredictable. With Usyk’s future still uncertain and Tyson Fury’s plans often changing, Parker may find himself in a position where waiting for a title shot could be counterproductive. Instead, taking on Joshua in a blockbuster rematch might be the best way to keep his name in the title conversation.

Meanwhile, Joshua himself may be searching for an opponent who can reignite his career. While he has rebuilt his momentum after setbacks against Usyk, a convincing win over Parker would strengthen his case for another title shot. Both fighters stand to gain significantly from a rematch, making it an attractive option for promoters and fans alike.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Parker?

While Joseph Parker remains an elite contender, his path to another heavyweight title fight is uncertain. With Usyk focusing on Dubois, Parker must either wait for a title opportunity or continue building momentum by facing other top heavyweights like Joshua.

If Parker and Anthony Joshua agree to a rematch, it could be a defining fight in both their careers. With heavyweight boxing in a constant state of flux, anything is possible. One thing is certain—Parker is determined to keep fighting until he gets another shot at heavyweight gold.