The heavyweight boxing division, always a hotbed for drama and rivalry, has been rocked by a stunning outburst from former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. In a bold and passionate statement, Parker has accused Oleksandr Usyk of deliberately favoring Daniel Dubois and denying him his rightful opportunity at the undisputed heavyweight title. This accusation has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, as Parker, a seasoned contender, claims he was “robbed” of his title shot despite his previous performances at the highest level.
A Scathing Accusation from the Former Champion
Joseph Parker, who has long been a staple in the upper echelons of the heavyweight division, is known for his calm demeanor inside the ring and respectful approach to the sport. However, in a recent interview, it was clear that the New Zealand boxer’s frustration had reached a breaking point. In his eyes, Usyk’s decision to face Daniel Dubois for the undisputed title in July 2025 was a choice that completely disregarded his years of hard work and skill. Parker’s criticisms are clear: he believes Usyk is avoiding more dangerous, experienced challengers like himself in favor of a younger, less proven opponent.
“I’ve been working my whole career to get another shot at the title,” Parker said. “And now I see Usyk, the so-called ‘pound-for-pound’ king, avoiding me to fight Dubois? It’s clear to me — I was robbed of my title shot. Usyk knows that fighting me would be far tougher than facing someone like Dubois, who’s still learning the ropes at this level.”
The anger in Parker’s voice was unmistakable as he spoke about the decision that has left him out of the running for a fight with Usyk. Despite being a former world champion and having the experience of battling top-tier fighters such as Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, Parker feels that he has been unfairly overlooked by Usyk in favor of the younger challenger.
Parker’s Career: A Steady Rise With Hardships Along the Way
Joseph Parker’s career has been a long and winding road filled with significant highs and devastating lows. The New Zealander first gained global recognition when he defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. to capture the WBO heavyweight title in 2016. Since then, he has established himself as a skilled technician with an iron chin and a relentless work ethic. However, his reign was short-lived. Parker lost the title in a highly competitive and hard-fought battle against Anthony Joshua in 2018, marking his first setback at the elite level.
Since the loss to Joshua, Parker has continued to pursue a path back to the title, facing and defeating a number of top-level fighters, including Dereck Chisora and Junior Fa. Despite these victories, a shot at the undisputed heavyweight championship has continued to elude him. Parker believes that after his recent wins and his experience at the top, he should have been the next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk, but the decision to bypass him in favor of Dubois has left him bitter and confused.
The Dubois-Uysk Matchup: A Fight That Raises Questions
The decision for Usyk to face Daniel Dubois in July 2025 has sparked considerable debate within the boxing community. While Dubois is undoubtedly a talented and powerful young heavyweight, many boxing experts, including Parker, believe that Usyk’s choice to face the up-and-coming challenger instead of more established fighters like himself is a tactical move to avoid a more dangerous confrontation.
“Usyk is making a big mistake,” Parker continued. “He’s choosing Dubois because he thinks he’s an easier fight, but Dubois isn’t ready for a champion of Usyk’s caliber. Usyk is trying to protect his legacy, but he’s going to regret not facing someone who has the experience and skill to challenge him properly. If he wants to be remembered as one of the greatest, he needs to face me and prove that he’s not afraid of a real challenge.”
The Usyk-Dubois fight has drawn mixed reactions from fans and pundits. Usyk, regarded by many as the best heavyweight of his generation due to his technical brilliance and ability to control the ring, is seen as the favorite. However, Dubois has been touted as one of the hardest punchers in the division, and his raw power could pose a serious threat to Usyk’s ability to move freely in the ring. Many believe that Dubois’ youth and explosive power could be a game-changer, while others think that Usyk’s experience and boxing IQ will prevail. Still, no one can deny that Parker sees this as a missed opportunity for himself.
A Battle for Legacy: Parker’s Determination to Prove Himself
Joseph Parker is not backing down from his demands for a title shot, and he has made it clear that he will continue to fight for the opportunity he believes he deserves. While he has expressed frustration with Usyk’s choice to fight Dubois, he is not content to sit idly by. Parker intends to prove that he remains a serious threat to any heavyweight champion, regardless of who holds the titles.
“If Usyk thinks he can avoid me and keep his title, he’s wrong,” Parker declared. “I’ve been in the trenches, I’ve fought the best, and I’ve learned from every loss and every win. I’m more dangerous now than I’ve ever been, and I’m not stopping until I get my shot at the title again. If Usyk wants to continue avoiding me, fine. But when the time comes, I’ll be ready — and I’ll take that title from him.”
The fire in Parker’s words is evident. He knows the road to redemption won’t be easy, but he’s willing to face anyone to prove that he belongs at the top of the division. The idea of a potential matchup between Joseph Parker and Oleksandr Usyk has sparked significant interest, and many believe that it could be one of the most competitive and compelling heavyweight title fights in recent memory.
Parker’s Path Forward: Redemption and a Possible Showdown with Usyk
With the Usyk-Dubois fight looming on the horizon, Joseph Parker is staying focused on his career, with his sights firmly set on a title shot in the near future. He knows that his journey to the heavyweight crown is far from over, and he remains determined to make it to the top once again.
“I’ll fight anyone,” Parker said confidently. “Whether it’s Usyk, Dubois, or anyone else holding a belt, I’ll be ready. And when the opportunity arises, I will make sure the world knows that I am not done.”
As the heavyweight division continues to heat up, one thing is certain: Joseph Parker is not backing down. His relentless pursuit of the title and his call for a showdown with Usyk could soon become a reality, as boxing fans eagerly await what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in heavyweight boxing.
