After securing a dominant victory against former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder last month, Joseph Parker is poised for a triumphant return to the heavyweight scene. Now at the pinnacle of the division, the 31-year-old is strategically contemplating his next move. As reported by Jason Pine of Newstalk ZB’s, Parker expressed his desire for revenge against three specific opponents, all sharing a common thread. “100 per cent I’d like to rematch Joshua, because he’s at the top of his game, I’d like to rematch Joe Joyce, who’s come off two defeats, and I’d like to rematch Dillian Whyte, but I’m not sure if he’s active at the moment. It would be nice to rematch those who have beaten me and to avenge those losses,” Parker revealed.
Despite the wish for redemption, only one of the three potential adversaries appears to be a viable option for Parker’s anticipated return to the ring in March. Joshua, fresh from a knockout triumph over Otto Wallin on the same card as Parker’s victory over Wilder, has already confirmed his next bout. He is set to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia in March.
A rematch with Whyte seems improbable, given his inactivity since November 2022. Whyte, initially scheduled to fight Joshua in 2023, faced a setback after testing positive for a banned substance. Despite his intentions to prove innocence, no indication of his return to action has emerged.
Meanwhile, Joyce, the sole contender to have knocked Parker out in his professional career, is keen on returning to the ring in Saudi Arabia in March. Having suffered consecutive knockout losses after his victory over Parker, Joyce remains a formidable opponent. Zhilei Zhang, another contender, also expressed interest in facing Parker, providing the Kiwi with a range of high-level options. Parker remains focused and ready for the next opportunity.