Parker’s Trainer Calls for Usyk Fight, But Does He Deserve It?
Trainer Andy Lee is fervently calling for a title fight between his charge, Joseph Parker, and the unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. This demand follows Parker’s impressive second-round knockout victory over Martin Bakole last Saturday night at The Venue in Riyadh. Lee is confident that this win should earn Parker a shot at the title, but the reality is far more nuanced.
The Victory and the Reality
Lee’s enthusiasm is understandable given the financial and professional stakes involved. A fight against Usyk would undoubtedly be a significant payday for both Parker and Lee. However, the win against Bakole, while impressive, is not enough to secure Parker a title shot. Bakole, who was brought in on just two days’ notice and was roughly 30 pounds overweight, was not the most formidable opponent. The conditions under which Bakole fought—out of shape and with minimal preparation—make the victory less convincing. Parker’s record now stands at 36-3 with 24 knockouts, while Bakole’s record is 21-2 with 16 knockouts, but this recent bout does little to bolster Parker’s case for a title fight.
The Usyk Situation
The future of the heavyweight title scene is in flux, with Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) showing interest in a fight against IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Usyk called out Dubois immediately after Parker’s win, suggesting that this match is a high priority for him. Dubois, fresh off a fifth-round knockout victory over Anthony Joshua, presents a more compelling opponent for Usyk. Moreover, the first Usyk-Dubois fight was mired in controversy, making a rematch all the more appealing to fans and promoters alike.
Lee’s Optimism and Parker’s Path Forward
Despite the challenges, Lee remains optimistic and vocal about Parker’s capabilities. "Usyk. Joe beats him. He’s faster and we got the power. Joe can match him. He’s younger and fresher," Lee told The Stomping Grounds. Lee believes that Parker’s speed and power, combined with his youth and freshness, give him a strong chance against Usyk. He also emphasizes Parker’s recent win, even though Bakole was out of shape, as a solid addition to Parker’s resume. Lee’s statement, "Another win for him. Look who we’ve got on the resume [out of shape Bakole]. Give us a title next! Joe needs a title fight," underscores his determination to push Parker’s case.
What Parker Needs to Do
For Parker to truly deserve a title shot, he needs to face and defeat a solid, well-prepared opponent. While his recent wins against fighters like Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder, and Simon Kean have added to his record, these victories are not enough to convincingly demonstrate his readiness for a title bout against Usyk. Parker has several strong options to consider for his next fight, including Agit Kabayel, Bakhodir Jalalov, Moses Itauma, Filip Hrgovic, and Andy Ruiz Jr. Each of these fighters would provide a more legitimate test and help Parker build the kind of resume that could earn him a title shot.
Conclusion
While Andy Lee’s enthusiasm and confidence in Parker are commendable, the reality of the heavyweight division is that Parker needs to prove himself against more credible opponents before earning a title shot. The victory over Bakole, though impressive, does not provide the necessary clout. Parker must face and beat a solid, well-prepared opponent to convincingly demonstrate his readiness for a match against the likes of Usyk. Until then, calls for a title fight may fall on deaf ears.
