Boxing
'Can't force him!' - Ex-world champion trainer highlights heavyweight pitfalls amid Usyk pecking order
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Joseph Parker "needs a fight" sooner rather than later, says Andy Lee, but the star's trainer admits there are serious risks with a potential Oleksandr Usyk bout in the wings.
The New Zealander stopped late replacement Martin Bakole in two rounds earlier this February after Daniel Dubois pulled out of their IBF heavyweight bout with illness.
Since then, former WBO and current interim champion Parker has been pursuing the winner of the Briton's bout with the Ukrainian, which the latter won in style last weekend.
The former is reportedly the next in line for a mandatory shot at the undisputed heavyweight crown, but with Usyk unlikely to fight again in 2024, he could be left on standby.
That presses the need to set up a bout, possibly with WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel or IBF top-ranked contender Derek Chisora speculated as potential options.
Lee however is reluctant to speculate about any such clashes, admitting they offer major drawbacks to both fighters while acknowledging his man could be passed over again too.
"It will be interesting to see what happens now, and how it plays out with what Usyk decides to do," he told The Ariel x Ade Show. "He's probably seven months away from fighting.
"Joe hasn't fought since February. He needs a fight. When he's active, he's at his best. But who is the opponent? Fighting Kabayel is a huge risk for both of them.
"Kabayel is number one with the WBC, Joe is mandatory with the WBO. All these guys are in positions. Chisora is in position with the IBF.
"There's huge risks in taking a fight like that when you could be first in line for a title fight. Usyk doesn't have to fight Joseph. It's admirable. His legacy is secured."
Lee also weighed in on suggestions that Usyk could forego a major boxing foe for what is reported to be his farewell fight and instead take a major payday for a crossover bout.
"It was mooted he was going to do Dubois and then he was to have a celebrity fight with an ex-MMA fighter," he added." For me, it wouldn't be nice. It would cheapen his legacy.
"It's very frustrating for him and for us as a team. Frank Warren said he is going to push for Joseph, Spencer Brown said he is going to push for Joseph.
"But you can't force Usyk to fight anybody. The will has to be on Usyk's side. The will for Joe is there. He will fight anybody, but the will and the want has to be on Usyk's team."
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