Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has extended an offer to Anthony Joshua, providing him with a world title lifeline. Parker, currently the WBO Interim Champion and mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk’s title, expressed his interest in a rematch with Joshua, potentially putting the British-Nigerian back into world title contention.
A Lucrative Fight
Parker believes that a fight against Joshua would be a massive draw, citing the British-Nigerian’s huge following and ability to fill seats. “AJ is always going to be a big fight because he’s a massive draw, and I think it’s only AJ who can come off a loss to Daniel Dubois in the way that he did lose, and still draw a massive crowd because he’s got a big following,” Parker said.
A Chance for Redemption
Joshua suffered a devastating fifth-round knockout defeat to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in September, denying him the chance to become a three-time heavyweight champion. Parker, who lost to Joshua in 2018, believes that he is now a different fighter and eager to avenge past defeats. “I would like to avenge the losses that I have. If I can’t fight for the championship of the world against Usyk or Dubois, I would like to fight Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, or Dillian Whyte to avenge those losses. I feel like I’m a totally different fighter now,” Parker continued.
A Potential World Title Contender
A victory for Joshua over Parker would catapult him straight back into world title contention, potentially salvaging what appears to be the final chapter of his career. Meanwhile, another former champion, Deontay Wilder, has also expressed interest in facing Joshua next year.
Wilder’s Interest
The American, who has lost four of his last five fights, is planning a comeback starting with a bout against Tyrrell Herndon on June 27. “Not this year for sure, but in the near future,” Wilder said regarding a potential Joshua fight. “Maybe sometime next year. But all of that is close.”
What’s Next?
The possibility of a Joshua-Parker rematch has generated significant interest, with many believing that it could be a lucrative fight for both parties. As Joshua recovers from his minor injury, fans will be eagerly awaiting his next move.