Boxing legend Lennox Lewis has recently weighed in on the heavyweight landscape, offering a surprising assessment of who could realistically challenge Oleksandr Usyk. While the young sensation Moses Itauma has taken the boxing world by storm, Lewis believes it is too early for the 20-year-old prodigy to step into the ring with the undefeated Ukrainian champion. Instead, the former undisputed heavyweight champion points to Joseph Parker as the fighter with the best chance of toppling Usyk.

This revelation has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts alike, highlighting both the promise of rising stars and the strategic considerations of heavyweight matchmaking.

Moses Itauma: The Young Sensation

Moses Itauma has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the heavyweight division. At just 20 years old, Itauma has already made waves with his explosive style and knockout power. His most recent victory, a two-minute stoppage over Dillian Whyte, pushed his record to 13-0 with 11 knockouts, nine of which came inside the first two rounds.

Itauma’s performance has drawn comparisons to historic heavyweights and fueled speculation about whether he could challenge for an undisputed world title sooner rather than later. Despite his meteoric rise, boxing insiders—including Lewis—warn that stepping into the ring with Usyk at this stage could be premature.

Lennox Lewis Weighs In: Parker Over Itauma

Speaking to Metro, Lennox Lewis expressed high praise for Moses Itauma but made it clear that Joseph Parker currently stands as the only heavyweight with a legitimate chance against Oleksandr Usyk. Lewis noted:

“I think Joseph Parker has the best chance right now. I think they’ve been freezing Joseph Parker out. Joseph Parker needs that next fight, so get him in there. Joseph Parker has been waiting for his chance. I don’t know why he hasn’t had it yet. I think he should be the next fight.”

Lewis’ assessment underscores Parker’s experience and skill set, which have been tested against elite competition over the years. Unlike the young Itauma, Parker has gone the distance with top-tier opponents and captured a world title, making him a credible challenge for Usyk.

Joseph Parker: A Realistic Challenger

Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion, is no stranger to big fights. The New Zealander has faced opponents like Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and Hughie Fury, showcasing his resilience, technical skill, and durability. Parker’s record and experience make him a much safer and more prepared option to face Usyk, according to Lewis.

Currently, Parker is scheduled to face Fabio Wardley, the unbeaten British contender and WBA interim belt holder, in what could serve as a stepping stone toward a world title bout. Victory against Wardley could position Parker as a mandatory challenger to Usyk, potentially creating one of the most anticipated heavyweight matchups in recent memory.

Oleksandr Usyk: The Undefeated Ukrainian Champion

Oleksandr Usyk is widely regarded as one of the most skilled heavyweights in the sport today. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion has transitioned seamlessly to the heavyweight division, capturing multiple titles and defeating elite opponents along the way.

Usyk’s technical prowess, ring IQ, and endurance make him a formidable challenge for any heavyweight. While fans and pundits are eager to see him face rising stars like Itauma, Lewis emphasizes that experience and preparation are crucial when facing a fighter of Usyk’s caliber.

Usyk has recently been granted an extension to his mandatory WBO defense due to a back injury. This delay has provided time for other contenders like Parker to position themselves for a shot at the champion.

The Strategic Importance of Parker vs. Wardley

Parker’s upcoming bout with Fabio Wardley is more than just another fight—it could determine the next legitimate challenger to Usyk. Wardley, an unbeaten British heavyweight with strong credentials, presents a meaningful test for Parker. A decisive victory would solidify Parker’s claim as a top contender and set the stage for a potential clash with the Ukrainian champion.

For fans, the Parker-Wardley fight is critical. Not only does it impact Parker’s career trajectory, but it also shapes the future landscape of the heavyweight division, providing context for who might realistically dethrone Usyk.

Why Moses Itauma Isn’t Ready Yet

Despite his talent and rapid rise, Moses Itauma is still very early in his career. At 20 years old, his professional record, while impressive, lacks the depth of experience necessary to tackle a fighter like Usyk. Lewis’ comments reflect the broader boxing consensus: young stars need time to develop both in terms of skill and strategy before facing elite champions.

Itauma’s explosive style and knockout power make him exciting to watch, but boxing history shows that rushing into a title fight can be perilous. Proper matchmaking, incremental challenges, and accumulated experience are key to ensuring that a fighter like Itauma reaches his full potential.

The Heavyweight Division Landscape

The current heavyweight division is a blend of seasoned champions and rising talent. With Usyk holding multiple belts and Joseph Parker on the verge of a title shot, the stakes are high. Other notable heavyweights, including Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, and young prospects like Itauma, all add layers of intrigue to the division.

Strategic matchmaking is critical in this era. Champions like Usyk must balance high-profile defenses with mandatory obligations, while contenders need the right victories to secure title opportunities. Parker’s experience and readiness place him at the forefront of this strategic landscape.

The Role of Mandatory Challengers

In professional boxing, mandatory challengers are fighters who are guaranteed a title shot if they win key bouts or meet specific ranking criteria. Parker’s fight with Wardley is pivotal in this context. A victory not only moves Parker closer to a title fight but also strengthens his credibility as the only current heavyweight with a chance of beating Usyk, according to Lennox Lewis.

Mandatory fights ensure that champions face legitimate threats and prevent circumstantial matchmaking from undermining the sport. For Parker, this system could provide the breakthrough he has long awaited.

Fans’ and Media Reactions

Lewis’ comments have ignited discussions across social media and sports media outlets. Fans are divided: some are eager to see the explosive Itauma take on Usyk, while others agree with Lewis that Parker’s experience makes him the safer, more compelling challenger.

The media has highlighted Parker’s recent form, his technical capabilities, and his readiness to face a top-tier opponent. With anticipation building, the Parker-Wardley fight—and the potential Parker-Usyk clash—has become one of the most talked-about storylines in heavyweight boxing.

The Path Forward for Joseph Parker

Parker’s journey to a potential Usyk showdown depends on several key factors:

Defeating Fabio Wardley decisively to earn his mandatory title shot.

Maintaining peak physical and tactical condition to compete against elite opponents.

Capitalizing on timing and negotiation opportunities to secure the bout with Usyk once the champion is available.

If Parker succeeds, he would have the chance to face one of the best heavyweights of his generation—a match that could define his legacy.

What This Means for Oleksandr Usyk

For Usyk, facing Parker would represent a credible challenge without the unpredictability of a younger, less experienced fighter like Itauma. Parker’s combination of skill, ring IQ, and championship experience makes him a compelling opponent, capable of testing Usyk in ways that younger fighters cannot yet.

Lewis’ comments suggest that, strategically, Usyk may be best served by facing proven contenders before entertaining the prospect of rising sensations. This approach ensures both competitive integrity and legacy preservation for the champion.

The Excitement of Heavyweight Boxing

Heavyweight boxing thrives on the clash of power, skill, and experience. The division has seen rapid rises, shocking upsets, and historic showdowns. With Joseph Parker poised as a credible challenger and Moses Itauma rising as a future star, fans are witnessing the next chapter of heavyweight boxing unfold.

The Parker-Wardley bout, the mandatory challenge, and the potential showdown with Usyk encapsulate what makes the heavyweight division captivating: high stakes, compelling narratives, and world-class talent.

Lennox Lewis’ declaration that Joseph Parker is the only heavyweight with a real chance of beating Oleksandr Usyk highlights the strategic landscape of modern boxing. While Moses Itauma’s talent is undeniable, experience, preparation, and skill remain crucial at the highest level.

Parker’s upcoming fight against Fabio Wardley will be a defining moment, potentially earning him a shot at Usyk and providing fans with one of the most anticipated heavyweight matchups in years. Usyk, meanwhile, remains a dominant force, but the challenge posed by Parker underscores the competitive depth of the division.

In summary, while the spotlight shines on rising stars like Itauma, Joseph Parker currently stands as the realistic contender capable of challenging the undefeated Ukrainian champion—a testament to skill, experience, and perseverance in the heavyweight division.