Joseph Parker would be the hardest check within the division for unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, says coach Andy Lee.
Parker is the necessary challenger for the WBO heavyweight title, one of many three belts that Ukraine’s Usyk holds.
However Usyk’s undisputed championship struggle with Daniel Dubois for all 4 of the main heavyweight belts takes priority over a compulsory defence as it’s a title unification.
After upsetting Deontay Wilder in 2023, Parker gained the WBO’s Interim heavyweight title when he defeated Zhilei Zhang final yr.
He retained that belt in February when he knocked out Martin Bakole, who’d stepped in at extraordinarily short-notice to interchange IBF champion Dubois.
Parker’s coach Andy Lee is adamant that the New Zealander’s physique of labor has earned him a world title shot.
“He definitely deserves the fight,” Lee informed Sky Sports activities.
“I can’t remember a heavyweight who has been on this run of form like Joe has. Wilder, Zhang. Before that Simon Kean, before that Jack Massey, who was a good fighter and well motivated.
“Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, Martin Bakole. Six fights on the trot [Parker’s won since the loss to Joe Joyce] and every efficiency has been extra spectacular than the final.
“I can’t recall a heavyweight that’s been in that type of form without getting a title fight. So he’s earned it. He deserves it.”
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Highlights of Joseph Parker’s spectacular knockout victory in opposition to Martin Bakole
Usyk’s struggle with Daniel Dubois is ready for Wembley Stadium on July 19. Parker can be a number one contender to field the winner and Lee is satisfied the New Zealander can defeat Usyk.
“But Daniel is a great fighter, will do a good job I’m sure and he will be up for the challenge,” Lee stated.
Although he added: “I think [Parker] beats Usyk. I know why Joseph can win this fight. He just needs the chance to prove it.
“For me Joseph deserves the struggle, he is earned it and he is the most important problem on the market for Usyk.”
