After Tyson Fury’s shock retirement, Joseph Parker has emerged as a possible opponent for Anthony Joshua in a Wembley Stadium bout during the summer.
Joseph Parker has a fire in his belly for a return to a familiar target: Anthony Joshua. The New Zealander doesn’t just hope for a rematch; he’s certain it’s a fight worth pursuing. Fresh off a string of impressive performances, Parker stands poised to carve a new chapter in his career, one that may lead him back to the towering Brit who handed him his first professional loss in 2018.
This resurgence isn’t just talk. Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, put it plainly in a recent conversation with Sky Sports, stating, “One hundred percent, Joshua would interest Parker.” Higgins didn’t stop there. He underscored Parker’s readiness to face Joshua again, provided the timing aligns and Parker can get past his next challenge: the hard-hitting Daniel Dubois. That fight takes place in Saudi Arabia on February 22, a critical crossroads for both men and the heavyweight division as a whole.
Tyson Fury’s sudden announcement of retirement has left a noticeable void in the heavyweight landscape, one that could provide Parker with an opportunity to step in for what was originally pegged as a Joshua-Fury showdown at Wembley Stadium this summer. If Parker defeats Dubois, Wembley might just play host to a rematch steeped in redemption.
The last time Parker shared the ring with Joshua, it was a unification bout in Cardiff that ended in a unanimous decision for the Brit. For Parker, the fight was a learning experience, but also a sore spot – he entered the ring as the WBO heavyweight champion and walked out empty-handed. That memory fuels his hunger for a rematch.
Higgins paints a vivid picture of Parker’s mindset. “Joseph is laser-focused on Dubois right now, but the thought of a packed Wembley against Joshua is a massive motivator,” he says. Parker’s reputation as a fighter who stays active and doesn’t shy away from quick turnarounds adds weight to Higgins’ belief that Parker would be ready to fight Joshua just a few months after facing Dubois.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, seems open to the idea. “Joshua’s career now is not about Tyson Fury; it’s about regaining the world heavyweight championship.” Hearn confirmed that the winner of Dubois vs. Parker is firmly in their sights as a potential opponent for Joshua. While he didn’t commit to a timeline, the implication was clear: Joshua’s camp respects Parker’s resurgence and understands the value of a high-stakes rematch.
It’s not just words driving Parker’s momentum. His performances in the ring have done much of the talking. Victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang – both known for their knockout power – have served notice that Parker isn’t just hanging around the heavyweight conversation; he’s a force to be reckoned with. Those wins, achieved within months of each other, showcased not only his durability but his ability to adapt against elite opposition.
Yet, Parker’s path to a Joshua rematch is far from a foregone conclusion. Daniel Dubois is no stepping stone. The British powerhouse is known for his ferocity and has his own ambitions of climbing the heavyweight ranks. Their February clash in Riyadh promises to be a battle of wills and a defining moment for both fighters.
Parker’s training camp has left no stone unturned. With Tyson Fury as a former sparring partner and the experienced Adam Booth in his corner, Parker’s preparations have been meticulous. Booth, who has a keen eye for strategy, recently admitted he was surprised to see Parker chosen as Dubois’ next opponent, but he also acknowledged the Kiwi’s ability to rise to the occasion.
