Joseph Parker hopes to lock in his next fight 'very soon', P2
- Shidonna Raven
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
This Article has been curated by UDBN
September 3, 2025
Source: Boxing News
“Itauma is very talented,” admitted Parker. “If Usyk continues to keep fighting, it could be a fight down the line. But I would love to test myself against Usyk first.”
Be that as it may, Parker and Usyk have yet to even open talks for the fight – which was initially ordered on July 24 with a 30-day window to agree terms before a purse bid. Usyk’s team seem in no rush to change this, either.
Serhii Lapin, director of Usyk's team and CEO of Ready to Fight, has stressed that the Ukrainian would not be hurried into his next move. “Throughout his entire professional career both Oleksandr Usyk and our whole team have proven that we respect all potential opponents as well as the rules that govern professional boxing,” Lapin told Ready to Fight.
“Over the past year and a half Usyk has accomplished a historic achievement by becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion twice. That demanded tremendous physical and mental effort, and great sacrifice.
“The champion has earned the chance to let his body recover from the effects of a punishing training regime and from injuries that are often invisible to the outside world. And, ultimately, simply to rest and spend time with his family.
“Most importantly: he has earned the right to choose his own future and to take the time he needs to make that decision. So, guys, don’t push the horses.”
Besides, this horse is currently lame due to a back injury, one as inconvenient as it is painful. That injury was reported to the WBO when Usyk sought an extension for his next mandatory defence, but many have since questioned its veracity because of a video that recently circulated on social media. In this video Usyk was seen dancing – one of his favourite pastimes – at some sort of music concert or party and appeared to be moving unimpeded throughout. “I haven't actually seen the medical evidence but you would think that a serious injury would prevent that sort of activity,” said Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, to Sky Sports. “As far as I’m concerned, things are exactly as they were. In boxing, nothing surprises me.”
Usyk’s last WBO mandatory was Daniel Dubois, whom he boxed, for the first time, in August 2023. According to WBO rules, a champion must defend their belt within 12 months unless an exception is justified and, under Rule 11, Section 2, an extension is only granted for “good cause” – a legitimate injury, a unification, or a legacy-level fight.
The WBO had been prepared to grant Usyk his extension request – until, that is, the now-infamous dancing video started to spread online. Now they have officially requested a detailed explanation of the champion’s alleged injury and asked for a medical reassessment to take place by Monday at the latest.
WBO Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas stated in a letter to Usyk’s attorney John Hornewer: “These actions put the Championship Committee in a difficult position, as the arguments made in the petition and the medical documentation submitted are called into question by these new developments. The recordings appear to contradict the medical recommendations.”
Parker, as is his custom, seems a lot less bothered by it all. “Usyk is a good dancer,” he said. “It was good to see him enjoying himself and having fun. If the WBO is investigating it, that’s what they’ve decided to do.”
Meanwhile, Parker will just continue to focus on himself and the things he can control. The show, for him, must go on – always.
We Got that FAN-Appeal | Undisputed Boxing News
Marcus Doggett, Chief Editor
Comments