What’s next for Joseph Parker?

Joseph Parker proved once again he remains a potent force in a booming heavyweight division, showing little signs of ring rust as he swept aside the game Shawndell Winters inside five rounds in Texas on Saturday night.

The former WBO world champion (27-2, 21 KOs) had endured a frustrating few months, seeing a lucrative bout with Dereck Chisora fall through in October due to an ill-fated spider bite which put a premature hold on his career, however Parker returned to form with a powerful display, scoring two knockdowns on route to a three-punch combination stoppage.

The New Zealander let his hands go with vigour and was slightly over exuberant at times, even by his own admission, trading with his American opponent on the inside, although such was his dominance he was able to take a few sweet shots, as the pair put on a compelling display for the fans.

Parker marches on successfully, and subsequently called for bouts with both Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte in the aftermath.

But with Chisora set to face Oleksandr Usyk and Whyte on the verge of agreeing a deal with Alexander Povetkin, he may have to plot another path alongside trainer Kevin Barry, manager David Higgins and promoter Eddie Hearn, as he looks to gain some much needed momentum in 2020 and catapult himself back into title contention, by the end of the year.

The 28-year-old exclusively told Pro Boxing Fans that he would take a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr if the bout made sense, following his victory over the Mexican-American in 2016.

Here are the possible options for Joseph Parker, as he looks to have two further fights in 2020:

Adam Kownacki (20-0, 15 KOs)

Polish-American heavyweight hitter Adam Kownacki is a rising force and a viable option for Parker, as he searches for a route back to the summit of the division.

The unbeaten 30-year-old, who resides in Brooklyn is highly placed in the WBO, IBF & WBA and is on the cusp of a potential world title eliminator himself having racked up 20 straight victories.

It has been by no means spectacular, but Kownacki is flying under the radar as another contender attempting to catapult himself into the elite of the division.

‘Babyface’ has business to handle first, with veteran former European champion Robert Heleunius standing in between a fifth straight victory in his newly found residence at Barclays Center, Brooklyn.

The pair could well meet in a an intriguing battle if there are no remaining options with their rivals tied up, perhaps in New York as Parker you would foresee having no issues with once again entering the lions den, as he continues to build his US following.

Michael Hunter (18-1-1, 12 KOs)

The former Cruiserweight-turned Heavyweight is rapidly becoming a notable force in the division, particularly following his bout with Alexander Povetkin.

’The Bounty,’ whose only career loss was to Usyk in 2017, had the former world champion in all sorts of trouble, especially in a frantic first round which saw the Russian shook to his boots before recovering to force the bout to a decision in Saudi Arabia in December.

A split decision draw caused much controversy, with many siding towards the American who was perhaps unfortunate to leave the Middle East without what would have been the biggest victory of his career.

Hunter is without a date himself, as he continues to climb the rankings and would surely welcome a test with another former world champion in Parker, in what would promise a fiercely contested battle, between two aggressive and highly skilled operators.

Oleksandr Usyk-Dereck Chisora loser

Former undisputed Cruiserweight powerhouse-turned heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk is set for a long-awaited clash with Dereck Chisora, as he attempts to stake a further claim at Anthony Joshua’s world honours.

The Ukrainian star (17-0, 13 KOs) is the mandatory challenger to the Brit’s belt, but whilst Usyk had prepared himself to face another Brit in Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) in the interim, Joshua appeared to select his IBF mandatory Kubrat Pulev. The complex situation has been disturbed further following Tyson Fury’s stunning victory over Deontay Wilder last weekend in Las Vegas.

Talk has since switched towards an all-British, undisputed blockbuster between Joshua and Fury, meaning both Pulev and Wilder, who has the option of a third fight with Fury, would both be offered step-aside money to ensure nothing stands in the way between a four belt summer clash.

However, many hurdles must be negotiated to secure a Joshua-Fury bout and should it not materialise, Pulev will instead receive his shot at Joshua in June, whilst Wilder is expected to exercise his right to a third fight with his conqueror, Fury.

Therefore, the winner of Usyk and Chisora, which is touted for May 23rd will be on course for a shot of the winner of Joshua and Pulev, meaning the loser will be left in limbo and could open the door for a possible fight with Parker.

For Chisora, should he fall short, a clash with Parker would be a case of unfinished business, following the history between the pair after the New Zealander withdrew from their scheduled October bout with a suspected spider bite, which the Londoner publicly refuted.

Parker has insisted to Pro Boxing Fans he would like to settle the score with Chisora in 2020 and should this bout finally materialise, it would prove a lucrative option for both.

Daniel Dubois-Joe Joyce winner

Parker could be in contention for a shot at the winner of April 11th’s all-British clash between unbeaten pair, Daniel Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) and Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs).

The former team GB men compete for the British, Commonwealth and European titles, with the winner putting themselves on the fringe of world level, where Parker firmly sits, if not beyond.

Parker and Dubois are separated by just one place in the WBO rankings and the former says he would relish a shootout with the Brit in an eliminator for Joshua’s world title, with both closing on the spot occupied by mandatory challenger, Usyk.

The New Zealander could also be tempted by the lure of returning to the UK for the first time since back-to-back losses to Joshua and Dillian Whyte, whilst the victor of the unbeaten Brits will see their stock rise dramatically, making a potential clash with Parker an even bigger prospect.

Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs)

Parker is adamant on gaining revenge on Whyte following a close decision loss in 2018. The 28-year-old climbed off the canvas for the first time in his career, but fought back and had the now WBC interim world champion in all sorts of trouble in a frantic final round, in which the Brit sensibly took a knee before seeing out the bout on points.

Parker exclusively told Pro Boxing Fans of his desire to face Whyte once again, but feels his rival “doesn’t want” the fight, understandably whilst holding the WBC mandatory spot.

The Brixton man has waited more than two years an elusive world title shot and new WBC titlist Fury has verbally promised Whyte his opportunity, should Wilder not exercise his rematch clause and if an undisputed bout with Anthony Joshua fails to materialise.

Therefore, bar another massive box office attraction, the appeal to face Parker in a hugely risky affair seems fairly limited whilst the 31-year-old seems close to finalising yet another acid test against dangerous Russian, Povetkin for May, whilst he continues to bide his time for his long-awaited title chance.