Joseph Parker chasing Anthony Joshua rematch amidst world title push

Joseph Parker wants to fight everybody

Joseph Parker has only lost three times as a professional, and his first came at the hands of Anthony Joshua. 

Parker and ‘AJ’ shared the ring in 2018, and while Parker survived the distance, he was beaten handily by the Briton, losing by unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards. 

Since his maiden loss, he has enjoyed a heavyweight resurgence, climbing his way back up the heavyweight ladder - and is now seen by many as the next man deserving of challenging for Usyk’s throne. 

However, the New Zealander has never forgotten about his loss to a young AJ and would love the chance to seek vengeance. 

"I've been wanting a rematch with Joshua," Parker told Sky Sports. "I want to avenge those losses.

"I know AJ's another big fight, I don't really care who I fight, just make sure it's someone who's top five in the world."

Parker is preparing to face off against Fabio Wardley as he continues to chase world title redemption. 

He currently sits as the WBO Interim title holder, and with Usyk battling injury, it's unclear as to how long he will be made to wait for a chance at the title. 

If Usyk were to be stripped, should his recovery continue to drag out, Parker would lay claim to the title. However, he revealed that while being a world champion has its perks, he wouldn’t feel satisfied should the title be handed to him. 

"It's a bargaining chip, being the champion of the world," Parker agreed.

"You want to win it so it would be nice to fight someone to win it. I know you can get elevated to it and it gives you a bit more bargaining power. But it would be nice to fight for it."

Usyk has long cemented himself as the best in the heavyweight game, with wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, though the 33-year-old believes in his ability and is confident he can present the Ukrainian with a new challenge. 

"If that opportunity came I feel like I can show something different," Parker said. "Experience, skill, belief, power, speed, movement, I feel like I'm getting better and better as a fighter even though now I'm 12 years in the game.

"I know what I can do. I back myself and believe in what I can do. But that'll be there once I do this fight."