Recent Developments in Boxing: Usyk vs. Parker
In response to recent developments regarding the potential matchup between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker, Sergey Lapin, the longtime director of Usyk’s team, has spoken out. This comes after Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, publicly rejected the notion of a fight with Parker, despite the World Boxing Organization (WBO) mandating it as the next bout.
Parker, a former WBO champion, has been striving for his chance at reclaiming a title but may only end up contending for one version if Usyk is stripped by the WBO due to Alalshikh’s directives.
Statements from Key Figures
A statement reported by The Ring clarified that the entities involved, including Riyadh Season and the promotional group Sela, are not pursuing a bout between Usyk and Parker. Instead, Alalshikh expressed a preference for a different matchup, notably highlighting a desire for a fight between Usyk and the younger fighter, Itauma.
Lapin recognized Alalshikh’s authority in this decision-making process, emphasizing,
“It’s their show, and they have every right to decide who fights and when.”
He noted the clear autonomy that Alalshikh has, standing by the choices made regarding Usyk’s upcoming opponents.
Usyk’s Status and Future
Usyk, having solidified his status as an undisputed heavyweight champion twice under Alalshikh’s promotional banner, has engaged in significant bouts against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, ending with a definitive conclusion to their rivalry. Lapin expressed gratitude for the high-caliber fighting environment that has been provided, stating,
“We’re grateful for the amazing fights that already took place.”
The rejection of a fight with Parker follows the latter’s light-hearted attempts to get attention for a title shot, including a comedic video where he performed A-ha’s hit, “Take on Me.” Following Usyk’s victory over Daniel Dubois, Parker has become increasingly vocal in seeking a match.
Looking Ahead
With Alalshikh’s outright dismissal effectively sidelining Parker from the title picture, Lapin commented on Team Usyk’s adaptive strategy.
“These decisions are part of working processes,”
he said, indicating that the team would continue adjusting according to the landscape and what Usyk desires for his career moving forward. Meanwhile, Usyk remains in a period of rest and reflection, and his former promoter, Alex Krassyuk, has expressed a hope that Usyk will consider retirement.
“He has proved it all; there’s nothing more to gain,”
said Krassyuk, urging his friend to step away from the sport.
