Joseph Parker sends message to Oleksandr Usyk ahead of Fabio Wardley fight
Joseph Parker has waited 18 months for a world title shot and must beat Fabio Wardley to make sure of one in 2026
Joseph Parker has urged Oleksandr Usyk to stop holding up the heavyweight division.
The former champion has been in line for another world title shot since he outpointed Zhilei Zhang 18 months ago. Parker was due to face Daniel Dubois back in February for his belt but the Brit pulled out just days before the opening bell.
The 33-year-old instead brutally knocked out Martin Bakole who had stepped up on two days' notice. Kiwi Parker then looked set to finally face Usyk but the Ukrainian instead fought Dubois at Wembley, knocking him out in five rounds.
The undisputed champion was ordered to defend his belts against Parker but requested a delay, claiming was injured despite videos emerging of him dancing at a concert.
Usyk was granted an extension to the deadline following an investigation but must face the winner of Parker's clash with Fabio Wardley on Saturday. And Parker has called on his rival to act quickly after the final bell.
“Do you know what, I am not sure why Usyk is waiting for so long. He is a great champion and he has done tremendous things in boxing," he said. "For us, not just the fighters at the top but for all the heavyweight fighters, we want to see a bit more movement with the world titles. So, Usyk, come on man, come on! We need a bit of action.”
Parker became world champion in 2016 but lost his belt to Anthony Joshua two years later. He has rebuilt his career twice since then having also suffered defeats by Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce. Six successive wins have put in pole position for a shot at all four belts with just home favourite Wardley standing in his way.
But Parker insists he won't have sleepless nights if a fight with Usyk ultimately fails to materialise. "I have no regrets," he added. "If Usyk is available, great, I'll smash his face too, but if he’s not available, I'll fight whoever is in front of me. "I just worry about what I can control and who is in front of me. I take it fight by fight.
"There is no point looking ahead because you can get unstuck. It is full focus on Wardley and he has my full attention. I am excited to see what he will bring, what shape he is in and how he has been training."