New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker returns to action this Saturday against Fabio Wardley, with the victor potentially securing a world title opportunity against Oleksandr Usyk.
The 33-year-old confirmed his ambitions extend beyond Friday's bout, expressing his determination to secure a second meeting with Anthony Joshua.
"I've been wanting a rematch with Joshua," Parker told Sky Sports. "I want to avenge those losses."
The Kiwi suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Joshua in Cardiff in 2018, surrendering his WBO heavyweight belt as the Briton claimed unified champion status.
Joseph Parker is keen on a rematch with Anthony Joshua - but he is not his toughest fight
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Parker acknowledged the significance of his current WBO interim championship status, describing it as "a bargaining chip" that could facilitate negotiations for major bouts.
"I don't really care who I fight, just make sure it's someone who's top five in the world," he stated.
When asked to identify his most formidable adversary, Parker surprisingly overlooked Joshua in favour of Derek Chisora.
"I would say Chisora was the strongest," Parker said.
The New Zealander faced the British heavyweight twice during 2021 at Manchester Arena, experiencing Chisora's relentless pressure firsthand.
Joseph Park faces Fabio Wardley on Saturday night
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Their initial encounter saw Parker floored within the opening ten seconds before recovering to secure a split decision victory.
"He is always on your chest and doesn't leave you alone," Parker explained. "All those little clubbing shots to the body and the head don't look like much but they all hurt and they all add up."
Their rematch seven months later saw Parker deliver a more commanding performance, dropping Chisora three times en route to a unanimous decision. "He is a nightmare to deal with in the ring and outside of the ring," Parker concluded.
Parker's mandatory challenge for Usyk's undisputed crown was ordered by the WBO following his March victory against Zhilei Zhang, where he claimed the interim championship despite twice hitting the canvas.
The Ukrainian champion received a medical exemption from the WBO due to a persistent back problem, delaying any potential unification bout.
Parker acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his title opportunity, stating: "They're saying the winner of this fight gets Usyk next. They can say whatever they want to say, but Usyk holds the decision who he wants to fight."
Rather than remain inactive whilst awaiting Usyk's recovery, Parker chose to defend his interim status against Wardley.
Anthony Joshua beat Joseph Parker in 2018
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The British heavyweight represents a dangerous challenge, with ambitions of securing his own world title opportunity through victory on Friday night.
Parker's resurgence began following his 2022 setback against Joe Joyce, with the New Zealander assembling an impressive six-bout winning sequence.
Notable scalps include former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang and the previously unbeaten Martin Bakole, whom he stopped in just two rounds.
"I feel like I'm getting better and better as a fighter even though now I'm 12 years in the game," Parker reflected, crediting improvements in "experience, skill, belief, power, speed, movement" for his recent success.
Derek Chisora was named as Joseph Parker's toughest opponent
| PAThe veteran explained his decision to face Wardley despite jeopardising his mandatory position: "As a fighter, you can train as much as you like, but all you want to do is fight."
He expressed frustration with modern boxing's limited activity, adding: "I've got two or three good years left in me, so I want to fight as many times as I can and fight the best in the world."