In the ever-controversial world of heavyweight boxing, Joseph Parker continues to climb the ranks with incredible performances, but one thing remains glaringly obvious—he’s being overlooked. Despite dispatching elite-level opponents with style and dominance, Parker remains in the shadows while Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois continue to headline narratives, rankings, and title pictures. Is this just bad luck or is the sport of boxing subtly rigged to preserve certain commercial stars at the expense of deserving contenders?
This article explores how Parker’s performances stack up against the so-called elite, the promotional politics that plague modern boxing, and whether the New Zealand warrior is becoming the sport’s most underrated powerhouse.
Joseph Parker’s resurgence is impossible to ignore
When Parker lost to Joe Joyce in 2022, many critics wrote him off as a gatekeeper for the heavyweight division. But since that night, Parker has gone on a ruthless winning streak, taking out top contenders like Simon Kean, Faiga Opelu, and most shockingly, defeating the previously indomitable Deontay Wilder by unanimous decision. This wasn’t just a fluke. Parker completely neutralized Wilder, making the feared knockout artist look ineffective and hesitant.
Many fans and pundits who once dismissed Parker now regard him as the dark horse of the division. His hand speed, granite chin, and improved conditioning under trainer Andy Lee have elevated his game to a new level. Still, Parker remains ranked below fighters with far less recent accomplishments.
So why is Joseph Parker being snubbed for the big money fights and title shots?
Boxing politics and the protected class
To understand Parker’s dilemma, one must look beyond the ring. Boxing rankings are notoriously political, with sanctioning bodies like the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO often favoring fighters with powerful promoters or commercial appeal. Oleksandr Usyk, for all his talent, enjoys strong backing from Matchroom and a growing global fanbase. Daniel Dubois, while already once stopped in brutal fashion, is still seen as a marketable young heavyweight with knockout power.
The irony? Parker beat Dubois in 2024 in a dominant display that exposed the Brit’s technical flaws and lack of ring IQ. That victory should have solidified Parker’s right to a title eliminator or even a mandatory shot. Instead, Dubois was linked to a rematch with Usyk, bypassing Parker entirely.
It begs the question: is the heavyweight division structured in a way that systematically sidelines fighters who don’t fit the promotional agenda?
The commercial value vs. meritocracy debate
Promoters and networks want stars. Stars sell pay-per-views, fill arenas, and create media hype. Usyk’s status as an undefeated Ukrainian war hero and former undisputed cruiserweight champion makes him a compelling story. Dubois, with his highlight-reel knockouts, is easier to sell to casual fans than Parker, whose style is more subtle and methodical.
But if boxing is to be taken seriously as a sport, merit must trump marketability. A fighter like Joseph Parker, who has rebuilt his reputation through grit, skill, and heart, should be celebrated—not ignored. Yet he often finds himself buried on undercards or waiting for phone calls that never come.
This leads many to believe that the matchmaking game is more about protecting certain narratives than allowing natural competition to play out.
The heavyweight rankings don’t reflect reality
Look at the rankings across the major sanctioning bodies and you’ll see a pattern: fighters with commercial leverage are placed higher, while in-form warriors like Parker are left out of the title mix. Despite his recent wins, Parker has yet to receive a concrete offer for a final eliminator or interim belt. Even after dismantling Wilder—who was ranked highly despite inactivity and losses—Parker remains stuck in a political no-man’s land.
Meanwhile, Dubois, who was outclassed by Usyk and soundly beaten by Parker, is still linked to lucrative rematches and world title eliminators. This isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a systematic flaw.
Fan frustration and media manipulation
Hardcore boxing fans have long criticized the sport’s lack of transparency. Unlike the UFC, which has a unified belt and a relatively clear ranking system, boxing is fragmented and vulnerable to manipulation. Media outlets often parrot promotional talking points, furthering the illusion that certain fighters are “more deserving” based on hype rather than performance.
For Parker, this means fighting an uphill battle not just in the ring, but in public perception. Despite doing everything right—winning fights, staying active, and taking on top-tier opponents—he’s not getting the recognition or opportunities he’s earned. The narrative is being shaped to favor others.
How Parker’s performances stack up against Usyk and Dubois
Let’s break it down:
Parker vs. Wilder: Dominant win, shutting out one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing history.
Parker vs. Dubois: Clinical victory, exposing Dubois’ one-dimensional approach and shaky stamina.
Usyk vs. Dubois: A win, yes—but Dubois controversially knocked Usyk down with a body shot that was ruled low. Many believed it should have been a KO.
On paper and in the ring, Parker has done more to justify a title shot than Dubois. And while Usyk remains elite, Parker has shown he can adjust his style for any challenge. So why isn’t he part of the next big superfight?
What Parker needs to do to force his way in
Unfortunately, being the better boxer isn’t enough in today’s landscape. Parker must now play the political game. That means staying active, continuing to beat credible opponents, and calling out the names that the public cares about. He’s already started doing this—issuing challenges to Anthony Joshua, Zhilei Zhang, and even Tyson Fury.
Parker also needs more backing from fans and media. Social media campaigns and fan demand can force promoters to take notice, especially when a fighter’s performances speak volumes. If enough fans cry foul over the unjust treatment of Parker, it could shift the tide.
Is boxing rigged? Or just broken?
The word “rigged” carries heavy implications. It may not be that boxing is outright corrupt, but rather that it’s deeply flawed and favoring certain outcomes. The system isn’t necessarily fixed, but it’s skewed—and fighters like Parker are suffering for it.
Boxing fans want the best to fight the best. But when deserving contenders are frozen out, it undermines the sport’s integrity and alienates the hardcore base that has kept it alive through decades of scandal and politics.
The final verdict: Parker deserves more
Joseph Parker may not have the loudest voice or the flashiest style, but he’s proven—time and again—that he belongs among the elite. If boxing truly values merit, then Parker should be in line for a title shot or, at the very least, a top contender matchup that puts him back in the spotlight.
To ignore his resurgence is not only disrespectful—it’s damaging to the credibility of the sport itself.
