Joseph Parker vs Oleksandr Usyk could lead to the retirement of one of boxing’s biggest icons

Joseph Parker is pushing for his shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight crown after Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois for a second time.

Joseph Parker was set to face Daniel Dubois for his IBF world title on the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev 2 card, but Dubois withdrew, only to secure a shot at undisputed against Oleksandr Usyk.

Fans believe Parker has done more than enough to earn a shot against the Ukrainian, with wins over Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder, and Martin Bakole.

A fight with Usyk though could lead to the retirement of one of boxing’s most iconic figures.

Michael Buffer could retire once Joseph Parker wins a world title

In a video uploaded to his own YouTube account, Parker can be seen interacting with fans and fighters alike at the Dubois vs Usyk 2 show, a show which many believe saw Dubois quit against Usyk.

At one point, Parker speaks to Michael Buffer, the iconic ring announcer who has delivered his iconic “Let’s get ready to rumble!” catchphrase in almost every major fight for years.

Buffer began announcing in October 1982, and is coming up to his 43rd full year as a ring announcer.

Parker, who almost rematched Dillian Whyte, said to the 80-year-old Buffer, “Are you ever going to retire?”

Buffer responded, “Yes, I’m gonna retire, after you win a title.”

If Parker were able to beat Usyk, then, it could spell the end of an incredible career for the voice of boxing.

Parker defeated Andy Ruiz in 2016 to become a world champion, but lost his title to Anthony Joshua and has not regained one since.

Joseph Parker vs Oleksandr Usyk – The stats

Though no fight has been announced, fans are desperate to see Parker get his much-deserved shot at the crown, so let’s first see how he and his potential future dance partner compare.