Joseph Parker in line to fight Oleksandr Usyk for WBO belt Anthony Joshua vacates it – The Sun

JOSEPH PARKER could fight Oleksandr Usyk for the WBO heavyweight title should Anthony Joshua give it up.

The New Zealander, who lost the belt to AJ via unanimous decision in March 2018, is returning to the ring next month in the US after pulling out of his last fight with Derek Chisora three months ago due illness sustained from a spider bite.

Parker, 27, is monitoring Joshua’s next step and he was ordered by face both his IBF and WBO mandatory challengers Kubrat Pulev and Usyk.

Both governing bodies are attempting to enforce their fights, although the British superstar is hopeful a resolution can be resolved.

However, should Joshua be forced to vacate his WBO strap, then Parker will be in pole position to battle Usyk after he was placed No.2 in their latest rankings.

Speaking to Sky Sports, his manager David Higgins said: "There's talk that Joshua might have to vacate one of the sanctioning bodies.

"If he vacates the WBO, then suddenly you've got Usyk mandatory and I think the next available ranked boxer is Joseph Parker.

"You could end up with a situation where you have Usyk fight Parker for the vacant title, which funnily enough is how Joseph became world champion. He fought [Andy] Ruiz for the vacant title. History repeats."

Higgins continued: "Usyk is a very tough fight. He's a southpaw, he would dissect Anthony Joshua.

"We know this, but if you're the better boxer and you get a world title shot, you have an obligation to take it. Joseph being old school will not take a backward step, so if that does happen, Joseph will be straight in and he'll fight Usyk.

"Usyk is a very skilled professional. I respect him and his manager, but it would be a good fight. Hopefully, we might see that this year."

Usyk is also considering whether to fight Brit Chisora while waiting to discover Joshua’s plans.

Even though their original fight was called off, Del Boy has annoyed Parker’s camp by switching his attention to secure a battle with the Ukrainian.

Higgins said: "Chisora spent two years calling out Joe and now he's running a mile, so it's a bit silly really.

"Joe fights the man in front of him and he would fight Chisora tomorrow, but Chisora has gone from wanting to fight to a U-turn.

"I'm not sure about the Usyk-Chisora thing. Joseph would fight either of them."

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