Joseph Parker is gearing up for a pivotal fight against Fabio Wardley, but the New Zealander’s ambitions extend far beyond his next opponent. With an eye on the heavyweight elite, Parker is determined to reclaim his place among the sport’s top stars and pursue the revenge and “unfinished business” that continue to fuel his career.

Joseph Parker’s Road Back to the World Stage

In 2018, Joseph Parker experienced his first professional defeat when Anthony Joshua claimed the WBO World Heavyweight Title. Since then, Parker has fought tirelessly to return to world championship contention, securing the WBO Interim Title along the way. Today, he is the mandatory challenger for the heavyweight championship he once held, but Parker’s ambitions are not limited to regaining what he lost.

The former world champion is eager for a rematch with Joshua, believing that history could be rewritten in his favor. Joshua, meanwhile, has referred to Parker as a “competitor,” signaling that a rematch is at least feasible within the heavyweight hierarchy.

The Stakes of the Wardley Fight

Before Parker can challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed WBO title, he must first overcome Fabio Wardley. The winner of this fight is guaranteed a mandatory challenge against Usyk, although the reigning champion retains the discretion to vacate the title or choose an alternative opponent.

Parker understands the leverage offered by the Interim WBO Title, stating:

“It’s a bargaining chip, being the champion of the world. You want to win it so it would be nice to fight someone to win it. I know you can get elevated to it and it gives you a bit more bargaining power. But it would be nice to fight for it.”

The fight with Wardley is more than a stepping stone—it is a crucial test of Parker’s skills and strategy before he potentially faces Usyk or any other top contender.

Anthony Joshua and the Quest for Revenge

For Parker, a rematch with Anthony Joshua represents more than a title—it is personal vindication. The Kiwi fighter believes that Joshua remains a realistic target, particularly if Usyk were to vacate any of his belts.

“Joshua is a fight that could be made, potentially even for a world title if Usyk vacates any belts,” Parker noted.

Despite the passage of years and a hard-fought path back to contention, Parker remains confident that he can outperform Joshua in a rematch. His determination is fueled not only by skill but by the experience gained throughout his career, which now spans over a decade.

The Unfinished Business with Daniel Dubois

Another name on Parker’s radar is Daniel Dubois, whom he was scheduled to face for the IBF title earlier this year. That bout fell through when Dubois pulled out just two days before the fight. Parker sees this as “unfinished business” and has expressed willingness to face Dubois in the ring, signaling that he is ready for every challenge that could bring him closer to heavyweight glory.

Reflecting on Dubois’ pre-fight behavior before his clash with Usyk, Parker commented:

“Every fighter approaches a fight differently. There’s no way I would have done that. Not in this life or the next!”

Parker’s philosophy is clear: every fight is an opportunity to advance, regardless of circumstances or distractions.

Eyes on Oleksandr Usyk

Ultimately, Parker’s primary target remains Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion who holds multiple belts. Parker recognizes that Usyk is selective in choosing opponents, which has kept some fights off the table.

“Usyk’s faced everyone, cruiserweight division, heavyweight division, you can’t say that he’s scared, maybe he’s just calculated in the options that he has,” Parker remarked.

Despite Usyk’s dominant performances—including his victories over Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Dubois—Parker believes his unique combination of experience, skill, power, speed, and movement makes him a significant threat.

“If that opportunity came I feel like I can show something different,” Parker said. “Experience, skill, belief, power, speed, movement, I feel like I’m getting better and better as a fighter even though now I’m 12 years in the game.”

Parker’s Mindset and Preparation

Joseph Parker is not merely relying on his previous record; he is confident in his current form and abilities. His preparation for Wardley is strategic, aiming to showcase his full arsenal in the ring. Parker’s mindset is both realistic and ambitious—he understands the landscape but refuses to wait passively for opportunities.

“There’s no point avoiding fights. Whatever they put in front of me, I’ll take. Obviously I’m very close now to fighting for the championship of the world but I just don’t want to wait around.”

Parker’s disciplined approach ensures he remains competitive while also signaling to promoters and champions alike that he is ready for the big fights.

Alternative Paths and Strategic Choices

While Usyk remains the ultimate goal, Parker acknowledges that the heavyweight division is rich with alternative options. Potential fights with names like Agit Kabayel and Filip Hrgovic offer significant opportunities to stay active and maintain visibility.

“There are many fights out there that we can have after this one,” Parker noted, emphasizing his desire to keep moving forward rather than waiting idly for a title shot.

By keeping multiple pathways open, Parker ensures he can continue to build momentum, enhance his profile, and remain a top contender in the heavyweight division.

The Bigger Picture: Legacy and Career Ambitions

Joseph Parker’s ultimate goal extends beyond titles or belts—it is about legacy. Beating Wardley, securing a rematch with Joshua, and potentially facing Usyk represent more than career milestones; they define how Parker wants to be remembered in the sport of boxing.

“That fight’s there but it’s whoever Usyk wants to fight. For now I’m just going to fight who’s in front of me and just enjoy it all,” Parker said, highlighting his focus on the present while keeping an eye on future opportunities.

Parker’s career trajectory illustrates the importance of strategic patience, relentless training, and mental toughness—key attributes for any boxer seeking long-term success.

Conclusion: Joseph Parker’s Path Forward

As Joseph Parker prepares for his October showdown with Fabio Wardley, the stakes could not be higher. A victory positions him for a potential clash with Oleksandr Usyk, while maintaining the possibility of revisiting unfinished business with Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. Parker’s blend of experience, skill, and strategic foresight ensures that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

Whether fans are watching for revenge, redemption, or a masterclass in boxing strategy, one thing is certain: Joseph Parker is far from finished, and the heavyweight world should pay attention to his next moves.