The WBO Just Handed Usyk His Toughest Test Yet (And Boxing Twitter Is Losing Its Mind)

By Lewis Barnett 24 July, 2025 6 mins read 195 Views

Listen, I've been covering boxing for eight years now, and I can't remember the last time I saw fans this excited about a mandatory defense.

Oleksandr Usyk just demolished Daniel Dubois last weekend – again – with that vicious left hook he calls "Ivan" (more on that beautiful weirdness later). The Ukrainian looked absolutely untouchable, like he was operating on a different frequency than everyone else in the heavyweight division. But here's the thing that's got me scratching my head: for once, the internet actually agrees on something.

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Why Joseph Parker Has Everyone Talking

The WBO dropped the hammer yesterday. Usyk's got 30 days to work out a deal with Joseph Parker, or they're going to purse bids. And honestly? The reaction has been wild.

I spent three hours scrolling through boxing Twitter last night (my girlfriend was thrilled), and the consensus is almost scary. Everyone – and I mean everyone – thinks Parker is the one guy who might actually give Usyk problems. One fan put it perfectly: "Joseph Parker is the only heavyweight aside Fury who can give Usyk some problems, but Usyk still wins by stoppage, maybe."

Maybe. That word is doing a lot of heavy lifting there.

Another comment that stuck with me: "Parker might just be Usyk's boogeyman. Parker has that 'thing' in him." I hate when people say someone has "that thing" because it's usually nonsense, but... God, I think they might be right about this one.

The Kiwi Factor Nobody's Talking About

Here's what's fascinating about Parker – he's basically dismantled everyone Usyk struggled with. Remember when Usyk looked human against Fury? Parker would've eaten Fury alive in their primes. The New Zealander has this relentless pressure style that's like water finding cracks in a dam.

I texted my old sparring partner about this matchup (he trained with Parker back in 2019), and his response was immediate: "Parker never stops coming forward. Ever. Even when he's getting tagged, he's thinking about the next combination."

That's terrifying when you're facing someone as technically perfect as Usyk.

Ivan the Terrible

Can we talk about Usyk naming his left hook "Ivan" for a second? The press conference after the Dubois fight was pure gold. This 38-year-old undisputed champion starts doing this heavy village voice: "My name is Ivan. It's hard, hard punch."

I was cracking up watching it live. Here's a guy who just became a three-time undisputed champion, and he's giving his punches personalities like they're characters in a children's book.

But that Ivan hook is going to be tested against Parker in ways it hasn't been before. The Kiwi doesn't back down from power – he walks through it like it's morning fog.

Why This Fight Actually Matters

Look, Usyk has basically cleaned out British boxing. Joshua twice, Fury twice, now Dubois. He's running out of big names, which makes this Parker situation interesting.

The fans are right about one thing – Parker has earned this shot. He's been grinding for years while everyone else was chasing Instagram followers and podcast deals. Plus, there's something about his style that could genuinely cause problems.

One comment I saw summed it up perfectly: "Parker will never quit." That's not hyperbole. I've watched this guy take punishment that would hospitalize normal humans, adn he just keeps pressing forward.

Usyk wants to rest with his family for a few months (which, honestly, he's earned), but when he comes back, Parker's going to be waiting. And for teh first time in a while, I'm not entirely sure how this one plays out.

That's a good feeling in boxing. We need more of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is recovery in boxing training?

Boxing is all about recovery, as it allows you to grow stronger and heal faster. Rest, stretching, sleep, hydration and a healthy diet are all important for a quick recovery. Ignoring recovery may lead to injury, overtraining and decreased performance.

Boxing can improve mental health.

Boxing can improve mental health significantly by reducing anxiety, improving mood, boosting confidence, providing a feeling of accomplishment and promoting discipline. The focus required during training can also serve as a form of meditation, helping to clear the mind and improve concentration.

What equipment am I required to start boxing?

For safety and to ensure effective training, you need the right equipment. You will need a pair boxing gloves to protect your hands and wrists, a mouthguard and headgear for sparring. In addition, athletic clothing and boxing boots are recommended for greater support and better movement.

What kind of diet would you recommend for a new boxer?

Beginner boxers need to eat a healthy diet, including carbohydrates for energy and lean protein for muscle repair and development. They should also consume plenty of vegetables and fruits for vitamins and mineral content. Drinking plenty of water is important before, during and after your workouts.

How can I protect meself in boxing

In boxing, defense involves a variety of techniques. These include maintaining a solid defensive position with your hands raised, using footwork for distance and using head movements such as slips and rolls to avoid punches. As important as learning your offensive moves, it is also crucial to learn defensive skills.

How can I determine the size and type of glove that is right for me?

The type and size of boxing gloves you need will depend on how much you weigh, your level of protection, and what you plan to do (e.g. sparring, competition, or heavy bag work). Gloves measure in ounces. Beginners usually start out with 14oz or 12oz gloves to train for general sparring and then upgrade to heavier ones for more protection.

Statistics

About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.

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How To

How to deliver an effective uppercut in boxing

When delivered with precision, the uppercut can change a fight. To lower your level, lower your rear-hand and bend your legs. While driving your rear hand up in an upwards arc, pivot your rear leg and thrust your hips forward. To protect your face, keep your lead arm up. You can also use your legs or core to generate more power.