Joseph Parker says he’s acquired no qualms with doubtlessly dealing with his “nice buddy” Tyson Fury if the 2 win their upcoming fights.
Fury is about to rematch Oleksandr Usyk on Dec. 21 for Usyk’s WBC, WBA, and WBO titles, whereas Parker will face Daniel Dubois for Dubois’ IBF title on Feb. 22.
“If Tyson beats Usyk — like, I wish to combat in the most effective on the planet, and if he beats Usyk, he’s the most effective on the planet,” Parker stated. “He’s an awesome buddy of mine, however I’ll combat anybody and everybody to be the most effective, as a result of I do know I’m the most effective.”
Parker (35-3, 23 KO) is a former WBO titleholder, successful that belt in 2016 earlier than shedding it in 2018 after a pair of profitable defenses, however is seemingly at a brand new profession peak in the intervening time. The 32-year-old from New Zealand has received 5 in a row following a loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, and his 2023-24 wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang have the Kiwi extra well-known than ever, with essentially the most big-time momentum he’s ever had.
Dubois, in fact, won’t be a straightforward out, and previous Usyk, you possibly can argue that proper at this second, they’re the heavyweights with essentially the most momentum within the division. Dubois, 27, bounced again from losses to Joyce and Usyk to make a case for himself because the 2024 Fighter of the 12 months with stoppage wins over Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.
Fury (34-1-1, 24 KO) is seeking to avenge his defeat to Usyk (22-0, 14 KO), and if he does, there’s each motive to consider we may even see a rubber match between the 2 of them in 2025 forward of every other potential combat.
However Parker does sound very critical that friendships and the like wouldn’t deter him from going after the most important, finest fights on the market, and the identical is probably going true of Fury on the opposite facet of the coin. Each, once more, have a lot to fret about earlier than that’s even the true dialog, nevertheless it’s good to listen to.
