Joseph Parker is the most important problem in the market for Oleksandr Usyk, says Interim titlist’s teacher Andy Lee

Joseph Parker would be the hardest take a look at within the department for unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, says teacher Andy Lee.

Parker is the necessary challenger for the WBO heavyweight identify, one of the most 3 belts that Ukraine’s Usyk holds.

But Usyk’s undisputed championship battle with Daniel Dubois for all 4 of the most important heavyweight belts takes priority over a compulsory defence as this can be a identify unification.

After provoking Deontay Wilder in 2023, Parker received the WBO’s Interim heavyweight identify when he defeated Zhilei Zhang remaining 12 months.

He retained that belt in February when he knocked out Martin Bakole, who’d stepped in at extraordinarily short-notice to switch IBF champion Dubois.

Parker’s teacher Andy Lee is adamant that the New Zealander’s frame of labor has earned him a global identify shot.

“He definitely deserves the fight,” Lee informed Sky Sports.

“I can’t remember a heavyweight who has been on this run of form like Joe has. Wilder, Zhang. Before that Simon Kean, before that Jack Massey, who was a good fighter and well motivated.

“Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, Martin Bakole. Six fights at the trot [Parker’s won since the loss to Joe Joyce] and each and every efficiency has been extra spectacular than the remaining.

“I can’t recall a heavyweight that’s been in that type of form without getting a title fight. So he’s earned it. He deserves it.”

Usyk’s battle with Daniel Dubois is ready for Wembley Stadium on July 19. Parker will likely be a number one contender to field the winner and Lee is satisfied the New Zealander can defeat Usyk.

“But Daniel is a great fighter, will do a good job I’m sure and he will be up for the challenge,” Lee mentioned.

Though he added: “I think [Parker] beats Usyk. I know why Joseph can win this fight. He just needs the chance to prove it.

“For me Joseph merits the battle, he is earned it and he is the most important problem in the market for Usyk.”