Joseph Parker suggests Rivals Relieved as World Title Dreams Fade After Wardley Upset
Heavyweight contender Joseph Parker believes some within the boxing world, including undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, might potentially be pleased to see him removed from the world title conversation following his recent shock defeat to Fabio Wardley.
In a candid interview with Canadian combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani following the stoppage loss to underdog Wardley, Parker stated he felt he was “fighting the fight and fighting everything else.” The New Zealand native alluded to potential satisfaction among industry figures, possibly even his own promoter, Frank Warren, who also manages Wardley. Warren quickly highlighted Wardley’s prospects for a future bout against the undefeated Usyk.
“Seeing me out of the world title picture would make a lot of people happy,” Parker said. He expanded on this sentiment, explaining the challenges he faces as a fighter representing a smaller boxing nation. “I’m not from here.I’m not expected to do well. I’m not from America or this side of the world [England], not from the big places. I’m from New Zealand and Samoa, small places with not the biggest markets and not the biggest followings. You can understand why people want their own fighters to win. I accept that, but it makes me more motivated to show that I’m not done yet. Not at all.”
Parker speculated that Usyk might favor a matchup with the still-undefeated Wardley, who boasts a 21-fight professional record, over a fight with himself. “I think so. Not that he
“The whole focus of the fight was to try to dominate, or, if I couldn’t get him out of there, finish strong, and I was going to finish strong as I think he blew himself out,” Parker explained. He also noted the contrast in clinching behavior, observing that Wardley, the less experienced fighter, was more inclined to hold and spoil when under pressure, a tactic Parker did not employ.
“I was aware of what was happening and when the ref jumped in I said ‘hey, I’m fine’… I just have to accept it, take it on the chin and move on,” Parker stated. While the official scorecards have not been released, broadcast commentary suggested Parker was ahead on points at the time of the stoppage – six rounds to four on one card, two rounds to one on another, and even on the third.
Despite the setback,parker remains resolute. “I have no regrets.I want to challenge anyone and everyone. Listen, if I wasn’t good enough on the day, give me another shot and I’ll show that I am good enough. My performance wasn’t the best. It wasn’t up to scratch. It wasn’t what we were seeing and what we expected.” He expressed interest in a potential rematch with Wardley, acknowledging his opponent’s toughness.
For now, Parker will return home to south Auckland to recover, but he is eager to resume his career as soon as possible. He has identified several potential opponents, including Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, Agit Kabayel, and Filip Hrgovic, and remains open to facing rising English star Moses Itauma. “I’m not into dodging and weaving [fights]. Moses is a young, talented, explosive and fast heavyweight.It would be a pleasure to share a ring with him.”
Parker emphatically denied underestimating wardley, stating, “I know a lot of people said this fight would be a walkover but I treated this fight the same as I would have treated a fight with Usyk.”
