Lennox Lewis thinks Joseph Parker can give Oleksandr Usyk a run for his money. The former heavyweight champ shared his thoughts after Usyk's knockout win over Daniel Dubois in July.
Usyk's been on a tear lately. He became the undisputed cruiserweight champ in 2018, then did the same at heavyweight in 2024. He beat Anthony Joshua, took down Tyson Fury twice, and knocked out Daniel Dubois two times. The guy's making a strong case as one of the best heavyweights ever.
Usyk's latest win was a knockout against Dubois in July. Before that, he beat Fury in December last year.
Lewis knows a thing or two about being at the top. He was the man to beat in the 90s, with a tough jab and knockout power to boot. He became the undisputed champ by beating Evander Holyfield in 1999 and hung up his gloves in 2003.
Here's what Lewis had to say about Parker's chances:
"I think Joseph Parker has the best chance right now. I think they've been freezing Joseph Parker out. Joseph Parker needs that next fight, so get him in there. Joseph Parker has been waiting for his chance. I don't know why he hasn't had it yet. I think he should be the next fight."
Parker's been making some noise lately. The former WBO champ lost his belt to Joshua, but he's bounced back strong. He beat Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang on points, and knocked out Martin Bakole in February.
With these wins, Parker's put himself in a good spot as a mandatory challenger. He might just be next in line to face Usyk.
Lewis thinks Parker deserves his shot. The way he sees it, Parker's the only heavyweight left who can give Usyk a real challenge. We'll have to wait and see if Parker gets his chance to prove Lewis right.
