Former boxing world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker revealed what Oleksandr Usyk said to him regarding his retirement, as he targets the winner of Usyk vs Daniel Dubois on July 19.
He is also eyeing up a rematch with former foe Anthony Joshua, while slamming Jake Paul after his recent WBA ranking, calling him the “world champion of clout”.
Parker boasts an impressive CV in professional boxing.
His record stands at 36-3, losing only to Joshua, Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce, with just the latter succeeding in knocking the Kiwi out.
Joseph Parker is eyeing up a fight with either Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua
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The 33-year-old recently beat Chinese veteran Zhilei Zhang, with many boxing fans and sites believing the victory sets him up perfectly for a WBO mandatory title defence against Usyk.
Parker does not disagree - and has opened up on the Ukrainian as the blockbuster bout later this month creeps closer.
Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, Parker explained his recent meeting with Usyk, and how he intends to fight the Ukrainian before his inevitable retirement.
“I was in Italy for the bare knuckle fights and I saw Usyk at the event,” the former WBO heavyweight champion said. “I just walked up to him and had a chat. I said, ‘How are you? Good to see you. You’re a good champion, and hopefully I can fight you one day and test myself against the best.'
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According to Joseph Parker, Oleksandr Usyk has one fight left after he faces Daniel Dubois on July 19
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“When I spoke to him, he said he's got two fights left. His last fights will be Daniel Dubois and someone else, whether it's Tyson Fury, or whether it's AJ, or it could be me.
“What I would like to happen is, whoever wins the fight, I will fight them next. I want to fight for the undisputed championship of the world.”
With Tyson Fury now seemingly U-turning on his retirement decision and back in the fold to fight Usyk for a third time, the odds look slimmer for Parker to have the shot at the belts.
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If the opportunity isn’t there for the Usyk bout, the 33-year-old said he would next turn to Joshua, who has seemingly been snubbed by Fury at an opportunity for the blockbuster all-English bout for another go at Usyk.
Parker explained: “I would most like to avenge the AJ fight because back in 2018, I was a very different fighter to the fighter I am now, and AJ is a different fighter as well.
“He's been the poster boy for boxing, and he's brought a lot of attention to boxing, and I'd like to avenge that loss. I would love the opportunity to fight Joshua.
“I think he's had some surgery, and he's looking to come back again, so if that opportunity arises, I'll take it with both hands, and it'll be a great fight.”
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Joseph Parker is also eyeing up a potential rematch against Anthony Joshua, who is looking to return to the ring before the end of the year
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Finally, what is a boxing interview without discussing Jake Paul?
The controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer was officially ranked by the WBA at No 14 last week, and, while Parker was quick to credit the 28-year-old for his perseverance and tenacity, he also squashed his “dangerous” dream of fighting Joshua.
He concluded: “Jake Paul is the champion of calling people out. I think he's a world champion of clout. He's a champion of making noise, whether you like it or not, everyone's commenting and tuning in.
“He is improving, getting better each time, but Joshua is a step too far. AJ’s knockout power would make it a very, very dangerous fight.
“Respect to him for the world ranking, he believes in himself, and he's chasing what he wants to chase. Does he deserve to be in there? That’s a tricky one.”
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