Can Parker Beat Usyk? A Breakdown of His Chances

After stepping in for the ill Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker scored a knockout win over Martin Bakole and lightly called out Oleksandr Usyk for a fight. Agit Kabayel is currently the mandatory challenger.

Parker has held the WBO interim title longer than Dubois has held the IBF world title. The WBO interim champion is usually next in line for a shot at the full world champion. He has shown great resilience and gained 20 pounds to prepare for Dubois. He is seen as a worthy challenge for Usyk, but can he beat him?

Usyk has shown no signs of weakness that an opponent could capitalize on. He’s a solid boxer with unique fights in his career, like those against Michael Hunter, Derek Chisora, and Tyson Fury. These fighters have been the toughest challenges for him.

Even if some fans doubt Joseph Parker’s chances, he is undeniably the most deserving of a shot at Usyk. His fundamentals are solid enough to keep up technically. Except for Fury, he is the only heavyweight close to Usyk in terms of skill. Parker also has the power to hurt Usyk.

This would be a great matchup. Parker has a lot to offer. He’s a good tactician, has power, and is not a one-dimensional fighter. He will give Usyk some trouble, but like others before him, he will likely fall short. Can Joseph Parker dethrone the king, Usyk?

Usyk’s Next Opponent: Should It Be Parker or Someone Else?

Oleskandr Usyk has everything needed to beat Parker. However, Joseph Parker will be a tougher opponent than Daniel Dubois. The biggest challenges for Usyk would be Opetaia and Itauma.

Usyk can drop back down to Cruiserweight to fight Opetaia. At some point in time, he wanted to do it, but his team advised against stressing his body with weight changes. Opetaia could move to Heavyweight, but he needs time to adjust and has work to do in Cruiserweight. So, unfortunately, this fight isn’t likely.

Itauma would be a great opponent on paper. The problem is, he is yet to be tested against tougher fighters, and his team would not risk throwing him in with Usyk. However, it is a chance worth taking.

There are four fighters that fans want to see lined up to test Usyk: Itauma or Opetaia, Parker or Kabayel, Hrgovic, and Dubois. In terms of importance, Daniel is the top contender to beat because he holds the belt.

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Is Parker the Biggest Threat to Usyk Right Now?

Joseph Parker has been on a great run lately. Usyk is a huge challenge, but Parker has the hand speed and ring IQ to give it a real shot. Parker can box anyone, anytime, and seems like the only boxer who could beat Usyk after Tyson Fury failed twice.

What is important now is that the powers that be give him the chance to prove himself. Talk and speculation mean little without action. Parker is already at the top, so a fight card with Daniel Dubois vs. Agit Kabayel and Usyk vs. Parker would be a fan’s dream. This card would be huge in boxing history.

The boxing world is lucky to be considering this, but if it happens, it will be an undisputed fight because there’s more money and promotion behind it. Unfortunately, the fight game is more about business than just the sport.

CONCLUSION

Joseph Parker has a chance based on his recent performances. It’s unlikely he beats Usyk, but he’s earned his shot and can be competitive.

He has the tools. He’s well-rounded and could present more problems than Kabayel or any other heavyweight in the division. He has some of the fastest hands, throws combinations, moves his feet well, and is durable. The only person to knock him out was Joyce. Most other heavyweights rely on power punching or have slow feet.

Many people think Parker lacks power because he doesn’t score KOs, but he has enough power to keep opponents honest. He hits just as hard, if not harder, than Usyk.