After Collapse Martin Bakole, Joseph Parker Wants Another World Title

JAKARTA New Zealand boxer who holds the WBO interim heavyweight title, Joseph Parker, is eyeing Oleksandr Usyk to claim his lost title. Parker has just finished the duel against Martin Bakole with a 2nd round KO win in the match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday (23/2/2025).

Parker (33) had tasted the WBO heavyweight title after winning points over Andi Ruiz Jr in Auckland, New Zealand, December 10, 2016. But the title was lost after Parker lost to Anthony Joshua in a duel at Cardiff, Wales, March 31, 2018.

Since then Parker has never claimed a real world title. His current title is the 'interim champion', or 'temporary champion' while waiting for the opportunity to challenge the real world champion.

The opportunity actually came at the event in Riyadh. Parker should have taken up the ring against the British heavyweight champion IBF, Daniel Dubois. However, a week before the show, Dubois was reportedly sick so the match was canceled. Bakole, the boxer from Congo, as Parker's challenger in the fight for the WBO version of the 'temporary championship' title.

Currently, the world championship belt is held by two boxers. Apart from Dubois in the IBF version, there is Oleksandr Usyk who holds the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBO championship belts.

"If Usyk is interested in finding a dance partner, then ask Uncle Frank Warren to come here to make sure. I want a world title. I'm willing to face anyone, without being picky. I'm ready for the next fights," Parker said, quoted by the New Zealand Herald.

At the peak age and experience of a myriad, Joseph Parker's chance to become world champion is wide open again. Now he has a record 36-3 (24 KOs).