Joseph Parker recently revealed the approach he believes could finally topple undefeated champion Oleksandr Usyk: “apply pressure and match him for punches”. He emphasized that Usyk is a superior boxer—a technically gifted technician with outstanding ring IQ. To unsettle him, Parker said you must be very fit, have good endurance, and sustain aggressive output from the first round to the last .
Parker’s confidence comes from a strong run of form—he’s won six straight fights, including victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole—rebuffing critics after his loss to Joe Joyce in 2022 .
Meanwhile, the WBO has officially ordered Usyk to face Parker next, in a mandatory defense. The two camps have 30 days to negotiate, or the fight will go to a purse bid with a minimum of $1 million . Parker holds the interim WBO title and has been the WBO’s top-ranked challenger for over a year .
Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, says this outcome is simply following the rules: Usyk must give Parker the title shot, or risk vacating the belt . Parker himself remained measured: “If it’s not the world title fight next, then it’ll be the one after… he’ll fight anyone” .
In summary: Parker believes beating Usyk hinges on relentless pressure, matching Usyk’s volume, and enduring the full fight. Now, with the WBO officially mandating the contest, Parker stands squarely in line for his chance at a second heavyweight world title—and Usyk has little choice but to accept or relinquish his WBO belt.
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