When Joseph Parker speaks, boxing fans listen. The New Zealand heavyweight, a former WBO world heavyweight champion, is known for his quiet determination, humble attitude, and never-ending drive to prove himself on the world stage. Recently, Parker opened up about his mindset, his desire for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, and his hopes to one day test himself against Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed king of the division.

What makes Parker stand out, however, isn’t only his accomplishments or ambitions, but his ability to remain balanced. As he put it himself: “For now, I’m just going to fight who’s in front of me and just enjoy it all.” That statement perfectly captures the spirit of a fighter who has spent 12 years in the sport and continues to evolve while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

In this article, we’ll explore Parker’s career, his current standing in the heavyweight division, his ambitions, and why his calm approach could make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in boxing’s most glamorous weight class.

Joseph Parker’s Career So Far

Joseph Parker first rose to prominence as one of the most promising heavyweights to emerge from New Zealand. With a strong amateur background and a solid professional start, Parker quickly climbed the rankings. His career-defining moment came in 2016, when he defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. by majority decision to win the WBO world heavyweight title.

Holding that belt gave Parker instant recognition, and he defended it successfully against opponents like Hughie Fury. However, his reign was cut short in 2018 when he faced Anthony Joshua in a unification bout. Although Parker put on a solid display, Joshua’s size, reach, and pressure proved too much, and Parker lost via unanimous decision.

Since then, Parker’s career has been filled with ups and downs. He’s suffered defeats against Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce, but he’s also notched up big wins, including his recent resurgence that has put him back in contention as the WBO interim heavyweight champion.

The Desire for a Rematch With Anthony Joshua

Unsurprisingly, one of Parker’s biggest goals is to avenge his loss to Anthony Joshua (AJ). That 2018 defeat still lingers in his mind, and Parker openly admits that a rematch is something he truly desires.

“I’ve been wanting a rematch with Joshua,” Parker told Sky Sports. “I want to avenge those losses.”

Joshua remains one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing, and a Parker vs. Joshua rematch would be a blockbuster event. Fans would flock to see if Parker has grown enough as a fighter to overcome AJ’s power and technical ability. Moreover, with Joshua on a mission to reclaim his place at the top after his own defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, the fight makes sense from both a sporting and financial standpoint.

The Interim WBO Title – A Bargaining Chip

At present, Parker holds the WBO interim heavyweight title. While some fighters might treat such a belt as a crowning achievement, Parker has a refreshingly realistic perspective.

“It’s a bargaining chip, being the champion of the world,” he explained. “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.”

This attitude reflects Parker’s mindset: titles are important, but legacy and proving yourself in the ring matter more. He doesn’t want to simply inherit a belt or have it handed to him; he wants to earn it by beating the best fighters in the division.

A Potential Fight With Oleksandr Usyk

Of course, no conversation about the heavyweight division is complete without mentioning Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian superstar is currently the undisputed heavyweight champion, having defeated Anthony Joshua twice and solidifying himself as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

Parker has his eyes on Usyk and believes he has the tools to make it a competitive fight.

“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. I know what I can do. I back myself and believe in what I can do.”

There’s no doubt Usyk is a master technician with unrivaled movement, but Parker’s blend of size, speed, and experience could present unique challenges. At the very least, fans and analysts believe Parker has the potential to give Usyk one of his toughest nights in the ring.

Learning From Defeats – Parker’s Resilience

What separates great fighters from good ones is the ability to learn and adapt after a loss. For Parker, defeats have been tough but transformative.

His fight against Dillian Whyte showed him the importance of endurance and defensive awareness, while his loss to Joe Joyce revealed the need for more aggression and urgency against pressure fighters. Each setback has taught him lessons that he continues to apply in the ring.

Instead of letting defeats define him, Parker has used them as stepping stones to rebuild and improve. That resilience is a quality many champions share, and it’s one reason Parker remains a respected name in the division.

“Just Enjoy It All” – The Mindset of a Veteran

Perhaps the most striking part of Parker’s outlook is his calm acceptance of the journey. At 32 years old and 12 years into his professional career, he’s seen the highs of being a world champion and the lows of defeat. Yet, he’s not bitter or desperate.

“For now, I’m just going to fight who’s in front of me and just enjoy it all,” he said.

This philosophy reflects maturity. In a sport where many fighters obsess over titles, rankings, and legacies, Parker has chosen to focus on the present. That doesn’t mean he’s lost his hunger — on the contrary, his relaxed mindset might make him even more dangerous. Without the weight of desperation, he can fight with clarity, confidence, and composure.

Why Parker Remains a Threat in the Heavyweight Division

The heavyweight division is stacked with talent: Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce, and Daniel Dubois all bring different styles and strengths to the table. Yet Parker remains firmly in the mix for several reasons:

• Experience: With over a decade in the sport, Parker knows what it means to perform under pressure.

• Versatility: He blends speed, power, and technical skill in ways that can trouble even the best.

• Resilience: Parker has proven he can bounce back from defeats and still compete at the highest level.

• Mindset: His ability to stay calm and focused means he won’t crumble under expectations or nerves.

If he gets his shot at Joshua or Usyk, don’t be surprised if Parker delivers a career-defining performance.

The Legacy Parker Hopes to Leave

For Joseph Parker, legacy isn’t about being undefeated or collecting belts without merit. It’s about testing himself against the best, learning from every fight, and representing his country with pride.

As he continues his journey, Parker remains an inspiration not only to New Zealand boxing but to fans around the world who appreciate fighters who value discipline, humility, and resilience.

His legacy is still being written, but one thing is certain: Joseph Parker is not finished yet. Whether it’s Joshua, Usyk, or another top contender, he will step into the ring prepared to fight — and to enjoy every moment of it.

Joseph Parker’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and growth. He’s been to the top, he’s fallen, and he’s climbed back into contention. His desire for a rematch with Anthony Joshua and potential clash with Oleksandr Usyk prove his hunger is still alive. Yet, his calm words — “just enjoy it all” — show a fighter who has found balance.

In a division often filled with brash talk and drama, Parker’s grounded approach is refreshing. And while he may not always be the loudest voice in the room, he remains one of the most respected and potentially dangerous heavyweights in the sport today.

For Joseph Parker, the journey isn’t over. In fact, it might just be entering its most exciting chapter yet.