Gone are the days when boxers trash-talked, belittled, and humiliated their desired opponent to coax them into accepting the challenge. This is a new era, and ‘Interim’ WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has sought out a new way to lure former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk into the ring. This comes days after the WBO passed its judgment.

You see, the man with the most complicated nickname, ‘Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa,’ was supposed to square off against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois earlier this year. However, ‘Triple-D’ pulled out of the fight at the eleventh hour, citing illness. This meant WBA No. 5 contender Martin Bakole had to step in as the last-minute replacement. As one may expect, with a lack of training, Bakole was quickly dispatched as Parker secured a second-round knockout. It was previously expected that the winner of the Parker-Dubois fight would not only get the belt but also a shot at the undisputed title by fighting Usyk. However, those plans went down the gutter with Dubois absent from the fight.

Now, the WBO has officially ordered ‘The Cat’ to defend his belt against their mandatory Parker. However, there are talks of a fight between Dubois and Usyk, which would mean the Ukrainian heavyweight will vacate the WBO title if he wishes to fight Dubois. Perhaps to convince Usyk to fight him—Parker has adopted this new tactic. Instead of calling Usyk names, he created a music video—kid you not.

Parker shared the video on social media of him lip-syncing to the song ‘You’re Still The One’ by Shania Twain while walking on sand beaches, reminiscent of the romantic music videos from the early 2000s, with the caption: “You’re Still The One @usykaa”. The Ring too shared the same on X, writing, “Joseph Parker calling out Oleksandr Usyk in unique musical fashion today.” If Usyk chooses to ignore Parker, the WBO will strip him of the title—turning Usyk’s dream of becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion into nothing more than a fantasy.

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However, it now seems Oleksandr Usyk may be able to avoid a fight with Parker and still move forward with an undisputed showdown against Dubois. How?

Oleksandr Usyk may fight Daniel Dubois first and then Joseph Parker: Here’s how

Oleksandr Usyk may defend his titles against Daniel Dubois in an undisputed clash before facing WBO ‘Interim’ champion Joseph Parker. Although the WBO has ordered Usyk to fight Parker, there’s room for flexibility. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri told Sky Sports, “The WBO ordered the enforcement of its mandatory…Usyk-Parker, to be discharged accordingly.” However, he added, “If a petition is lodged…requesting that the mandatory be ‘stayed’ until the unification takes place…such request may be granted.”

Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, confirmed Wembley Stadium is being considered for Usyk-Dubois II. The two met in 2023, with Usyk winning, but Dubois’ trainer, Don Charles, believes his fighter is now ready. “He’s a champion, a world champion, Daniel Dubois. We’re in the business of fighting. So long as it makes sense, then yeah,” Charles said.

Having said that, the callout from Joseph Parker was nothing short of a stroke of brilliance. But it appears that becoming an undisputed champion twice takes precedence. Regardless, what did you think about the video? Do you think it can become more popular?