The heavyweight division refuses to slow down. Every month, new rivalries ignite, past defeats resurface, and dreams of championship glory keep fueling the fire. Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion, has made it clear—he wants revenge against Anthony Joshua, and he’s not forgetting his unfinished business with Daniel Dubois either. After a string of dramatic fights, injuries, and sudden cancellations, Parker is positioning himself right back in the spotlight, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

With boxing’s heavyweight scene at its most chaotic—Tyson Fury holding onto his position, Oleksandr Usyk pushing through injuries, and Joshua’s future still uncertain—the door is wide open for Parker to reclaim what he believes was unjustly taken from him years ago.

But can Parker really pull off the ultimate comeback? Or is this just another fighter chasing ghosts from his past? Let’s break down why this story is gaining momentum, why fans are already buzzing, and why Parker’s career could take a dramatic turn in the coming months.

The Painful Memory of 2018: Why Parker Wants Joshua Again

Back in 2018, Joseph Parker stepped into the ring against Anthony Joshua in a unification clash that had the boxing world glued to their screens. The stakes were high: Parker was defending his WBO title, and Joshua was hungry for dominance. What followed was a hard-fought battle that ended with Joshua claiming victory, handing Parker his first professional defeat and stripping him of his belt.

For Parker, the memory of that night has never truly faded. Losing is one thing, but losing on such a global stage left scars. Now, at 33 years old, he’s determined to prove that he is not the same fighter he was seven years ago. He insists that a rematch with Joshua is not just about revenge, but about redemption. Fans can’t help but wonder: what would a second fight look like today, with both men at different stages of their careers?

Joshua’s Uncertain Future

The timing of Parker’s callout couldn’t be more intriguing. Anthony Joshua, now 35, has been out of the ring since his shocking knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. That loss sent shockwaves across the boxing world and left Joshua’s career in limbo. Talks of a comeback have circulated, with early 2026 being mentioned as a possible return date. But who will Joshua fight first?

That’s the million-dollar question. Some argue that Joshua needs a tune-up fight to rebuild confidence. Others believe that only a marquee name like Parker would make sense for his return. A Parker vs. Joshua II showdown would bring massive global attention, combining nostalgia with fresh intrigue. Both men have everything to prove, and both know the boxing clock is ticking.

The Dubois Drama: Illness, Cancellations, and Unfinished Business

As if one rivalry wasn’t enough, Parker’s history with Daniel Dubois has left its own trail of unfinished business. Earlier this year, Parker was set to face Dubois in Saudi Arabia—a fight hyped as one of the biggest heavyweight clashes of the season. But just days before the bout, Dubois pulled out due to illness, leaving fans frustrated and promoters scrambling.

Instead, Parker faced late-replacement Martin Bakole and delivered a stunning first-round knockout, reminding everyone why he is still a dangerous contender. Meanwhile, Dubois went on to face Oleksandr Usyk, suffering a loss that raised new doubts about his ability to compete at the very top level.

Now Parker sees the opportunity to settle the score. He has made it clear: Dubois can’t avoid him forever. Their paths will cross again, and when they do, the stakes will be higher than ever.

Usyk, the WBO Belt, and the Bigger Picture

While Parker is chasing old rivals, he hasn’t lost sight of the ultimate prize: the heavyweight championship. As the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s WBO belt, Parker is technically in line for a shot at the title. However, Usyk’s injury exemption has put that fight on hold, leaving Parker in a frustrating position.

Some reports claim that the winner of Parker’s upcoming fight against Fabio Wardley will be next in line for Usyk. But as Parker himself admitted, the decision ultimately lies with Usyk, who has the power to dictate his next opponent. This uncertainty has forced Parker to stay active, focusing on whoever is put in front of him, rather than waiting around for a fight that may never materialize.

The Fabio Wardley Test

On October 25, Parker will face Fabio Wardley on DAZN PPV. Wardley, at 30 years old, is seen as one of Britain’s brightest heavyweight prospects, and this fight represents a dangerous test for Parker. If Parker underestimates Wardley, he risks derailing all of his plans for Joshua, Dubois, and even Usyk.

However, if Parker can secure a dominant victory, it could serve as the perfect springboard to catapult him into another high-profile showdown. Fans are already speculating: will Parker come out aggressive, or will he play the long game to wear down the younger fighter? Either way, the outcome of this fight will have major implications for the entire heavyweight division.

Why Fans Are Hooked on the Parker Storyline

Boxing fans love drama, and Parker’s journey offers plenty of it. Between the heartbreak of losing his title, the drama with Dubois, and the lingering tension with Joshua, Parker represents a fighter who is not only battling opponents but also battling time, doubts, and his own legacy.

The narrative is compelling because it mirrors what fans want to see in boxing: redemption arcs, rivalries reignited, and big fights with real stakes. Parker may not have the loudest personality in the sport, but his determination and willingness to face anyone make him a figure that fans can rally behind.

What’s Next If Parker Wins?

Let’s play out the scenarios. If Parker defeats Wardley, he will have momentum, leverage, and credibility. That opens up three possible roads:

1. A Rematch with Joshua – The biggest payday, the biggest headlines, and the fight fans have been waiting for.

2. A Clash with Dubois – Unfinished business that promises fireworks and could settle one of the division’s hottest rivalries.

3. A Shot at Usyk’s Title – The ultimate dream: becoming a world champion again.

Each path carries risk, but each path also offers Parker a chance to solidify his place among the heavyweight elite once again.

Why This Story Could Go Viral

From a fan’s perspective, this isn’t just another boxing headline—it’s a story with hooks at every turn. Revenge. Redemption. Unfinished business. These are the phrases that capture attention, spark debates, and fuel social media buzz.

Will Joshua risk his comeback against a man hungry for payback? Will Dubois finally step back into the ring with Parker and settle their score? Will Usyk’s injury derail Parker’s world title hopes? These questions are exactly what drive clicks, comments, and heated discussions online.

And let’s not forget the drama of timing: Parker is in his prime years, Joshua is fighting against decline, Dubois is desperate to rebuild, and Usyk is managing injuries. The heavyweight division has rarely been this unpredictable, and Parker has placed himself right at the center of it.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Joseph Parker’s callout of Anthony Joshua and his declaration of unfinished business with Daniel Dubois is more than just talk—it’s a statement of intent. He’s not content to wait for opportunities; he’s ready to seize them. In a heavyweight division filled with uncertainty, Parker is making his own case, demanding his own destiny, and daring anyone to stop him.

As October 25 approaches, all eyes will be on Parker. Will he prove that his time is now, or will the ghosts of the past continue to haunt him? One thing is certain: the heavyweight storylines are heating up, and Joseph Parker is making sure his name stays at the center of the conversation.