'He should get a title shot; he’s the real threat to Usyk'

Since January 2023, Joseph Parker has won six straight, including the last three against Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole. With the victory against the latter, the New Zealand heavyweight defended his "interim" WBO world title, or the mandatory challenger to the "real" belt currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.

As is known, Usyk will (re)face Daniel Dubois in a match for the absolute heavyweight championship on July 19, and that fight had the advantage over mandatory defenses since it was a title unification. In contrast, Parker's trainer Andy Lee continues to insist that his youngster has secured an opportunity to attack the world title with his work and results.

- He definitely deserves this fight. He has six straight wins, including over Wilder, Zhang and Bakole, and each of his performances has been more impressive than the last. I can't think of a heavyweight who was in such shape without getting a chance to fight for the title - said Lee in an interview with Sky Sports, and emphasized that he thinks Parker can beat Usik:

- I think Joseph would beat Usyk and I know why he can win that match, he just needs a chance to prove it. For me Joseph deserves that fight, he is the biggest challenge for Usyk.

Usyk vs Dubois

It is necessary to see first what the epilogue of the fight between Usyk and Dubois will be, and then whether, and with whom, Parker will box for the title(s). Let us remind you that the New Zealander had a scheduled match with Dubois at the end of February, but "Dynamite" withdrew from the fight at the last minute due to an alleged illness, and the previously mentioned Bakole stepped in on "short notice" and ended up being knocked out in the second round. Time will tell how things will develop further for Parker, but also for the entire royal division.