Oleksandr Usyk is yet to taste defeat during his professional career.
The Ukrainian great became undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time last weekend with a fifth round stoppage win over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in London.
Attention has now turned to who Usyk will fight next, with a lot of observers believing that there aren’t many tough challenges out there for the skilled fighter.
Former pound-for-pound star Roy Jones Jr believes there is one man in particular who can be a difficult match-up for Usyk though, as he explained to IFL TV.
“There are a couple of guys that have a chance, but of the guys that we know, the guy with the best chance, to be honest with you, and people may disagree but I know what I’m looking at, the guy with the best chance is Joseph Parker.
“I hope Joseph Parker fights him next. That’s going to be a really good fight. Joseph being with Andy Lee now is really good. It’s going to be good for both sides. Usyk is a beast, Usyk is not easy for anybody to beat, but the guy with the best chance for me right now is Joseph Parker. I’m not saying he’s going to beat him, but he’s got the beat chance.”
Jones then explained what Parker brings to a fight against Usyk.
“That’s a dream match for Parker and Andy Lee. I’m happy to see them get their opportunity. Parker is the guy that can bring enough intangibles to the game. Parker is not a big heavyweight. Usyk fares better with the big guys than the smaller guys because somebody who is smaller can get on his speed level and make it more difficult for him. I think Joseph will be the best opposition. I’m not saying anybody will beat him, but he’ll be the best opposition.”
Parker has picked up wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole to become the mandatory challenger for Usyk, and after the WBO ordered the fight this week, it looks likely to happen sooner rather than later.
