AS it’s revealed that talks are underway for a fight between heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang on June 1, it’s only natural to wonder what will now happen to the man who recently and so impressively beat them both: Joseph Parker.
Parker, who was as occupied as any heavyweight fighter globally, didn’t settle for merely defeating Wilder by decision in December. He went on to replicate this accomplishment against Zhang in less than three months. These back-to-back victories propelled Parker back to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, a surprising turn of events considering his defeat to Joe Joyce in 2022, where he was stopped in the 11th round.
After gaining a newfound vitality and appearing to have grown from both positive and negative encounters, Parker, with a record of 35-3 (23), seems to have limitless opportunities ahead. Despite being just 32 years old, he remains in contention for numerous significant bouts, with a rematch against Zhang being the most apparent choice. This outcome seemed highly likely after their initial fight, as Parker confidently declared, “The next step is a rematch with Zhang. It’s already agreed upon in our contract, so we will meet in the ring once more.”
Now, though, one wonders what Parker will do if reports of Zhang being offered to fight Wilder in June leads to something tangible. The plan regardless, Boxing News understands, is for Parker to fight twice more this year, with the first of these two fights taking place in either September or October. That would give Parker ample time to enjoy the birth of his child – due in April – and also give him some much-needed and much-deserved recovery time following a hectic yet productive few months.
Such is his form, there is always going to be a demand for him to compete, but Parker, no fool, knows the importance of easing off the gas pedal to avoid burnout. There have been fights for him on the table, sources tell BN, including a semi-attractive one in May (on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk), yet signs and common sense suggest Parker will be watching from the outside until the summer at the earliest.
Regardless of Wilder’s sudden and surprising involvement, there is still a possibility for a Zhang rematch. It would only happen if Zhang manages to defeat Wilder, but it’s not impossible. If Zhang succeeds, there is a good chance that he could face Parker later this year. Rumors suggest that October was the original month both parties were aiming for.
