Call-outs are nothing new in boxing. Fighters shout names into microphones, hijack press conferences, and drop fiery posts on Instagram. But Joseph Parker decided to do something different. In a viral video, the Kiwi heavyweight lip-synced A-ha’s classic Take On Me — cheekily directing the message at Oleksandr Usyk.
It was funny, yes. But it wasn’t just a joke. Beneath the humour, Parker’s stunt reflects the frustration of a fighter who has fought his way back into contention, only to find himself chasing a champion who may never answer the call.
Parker’s Revival Story
Let’s rewind. A few years ago, Parker was written off. After losing his WBO title to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff, his career hit turbulence. Defeats to Dillian Whyte and lacklustre showings against the likes of Derek Chisora left many questioning whether he had the hunger or tools to compete at the top level.
But instead of fading away, Parker quietly rebuilt. Teaming up with Andy Lee, he improved his footwork, sharpened his jab, and rediscovered his punch output. Victories over respected opponents reminded the boxing world of his durability and skill. Importantly, he showed resilience — the kind of resilience that can’t be taught in the gym.
Now he’s back in a mandatory position, which makes his Parker Usyk call-out far more than a gimmick. It’s a fighter saying: I’ve done my work. Now give me my chance.
The Usyk Question
But here’s the problem: Oleksandr Usyk might not be listening.
The Ukrainian maestro has achieved what very few even dreamed possible. He was undisputed at cruiserweight — a clean sweep of all four belts. He then moved up, dethroned Anthony Joshua twice, defended against Tyson Fury, and became the first man ever to be undisputed in two different weight classes in the four-belt era. That’s not just rare — it’s historic.
So what more is there to do? Retirement while holding all the marbles would cement Usyk’s status as one of the greatest of his era. And from a legacy point of view, fighting Joseph Parker doesn’t add much. Hardcore fans might respect it, but the casual audience — who drive pay-per-view buys — won’t see Parker as a big enough name.
Why Parker-Usyk Feels Unlikely
When you break it down, the obstacles are clear:
- Business sense: Parker doesn’t shift tickets the way Joshua or Fury do. Broadcasters and promoters know it.
- Legacy sense: Usyk doesn’t need Parker to prove anything more. His record already speaks for itself.
- Timing sense: With Usyk dealing with injuries and openly flirting with retirement, the window for this fight is narrowing by the day.
The Parker Usyk call-out made headlines, but it probably won’t make a fight.
A Heavyweight Division in Limbo
If Usyk walks away, what happens next? That’s the real concern.
Tyson Fury looks like a man who’s closer to his final lap than his peak. Deontay Wilder has lost momentum after multiple defeats. Anthony Joshua is rebuilding carefully, but won’t be back until spring at the earliest. Behind them, the queue is thin.
This is why Parker’s video felt like more than just a laugh. It highlighted the logjam at the top. If the belts splinter, Parker could end up fighting for a vacant strap. If Usyk decides to box again, Parker might stay stuck in the waiting room. Either way, the division feels like it’s holding its breath — and fans are growing restless.
Final Bell
Joseph Parker’s Take On Me stunt was witty, creative, and undeniably viral. But beneath the laughs lies a serious question: does heavyweight boxing have a clear future, or are we watching its biggest names drift away one by one?
For Parker, the answer matters more than most. He’s rebuilt his reputation and earned his place back at the table. But whether Usyk will actually sit across from him remains doubtful.
So, what do you think? Should Usyk give Parker his long-deserved shot before calling it a day, or has the ship already sailed? Share your thoughts, pass this article on to a mate, and visit CMBoxing for more heavyweight talk.