Image of Andy Lee and Joseph Parker with inset of Tyson Fury. Credit: Richard Pelham/Matt McNulty via Getty Images

Coach of Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker says which of his fighters he wants to face Oleksandr Usyk next

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Donal Long | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 4:47 PM ET

Oleksandr Usyk is spoiled for choice in regard to top heavyweight contenders after he once again unified the division.

Usyk’s knockout over Dubois wowed boxing fans as the Ukrainian added to his unbeaten record and put to rest any doubt regarding the pair’s first meeting.

Frank Warren has said that Joseph Parker is next for Usyk, as well as the WBO ordering the fight. However, the bout is not yet confirmed.

With Tyson Fury waiting in the wings, Usyk may be tempted into a trilogy with the ‘Gypsy King’. As both Parker and Fury are trained by Andy Lee, the coach has now had his say.

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Andy Lee has a clear preference for which of his fighters will face Oleksandr Usyk

Fury was one of the three mentioned heavyweights during Usyk’s post-fight interview in Wembley Stadium, alongside Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora.

With the ‘Gypsy King’ seemingly on the mind of Usyk, Fury may hijack the fight from interim champion Joseph Parker.

However, this is not something that former world champion Lee wants. Despite being a part of Fury’s coaching team, Lee would like to see Parker get his title opportunity.

When asked if he would like to see Fury return against Usyk by IFL TV, Lee said, “I’d like to see Joe get the chance first.”

Lee described the process of trying to get a world title fight for Parker as ‘frustrating’ before adding, “No one can say he doesn’t deserve his chance.”

The coach said if Usyk is not an option for Parker ‘there is no one else to fight’, unless the New Zealander gets to fight for a vacant title.

Andy Lee described Moses Itauma as the future of the heavyweight division

When speaking of the other heavyweight contenders in the division, the Irish coach had high praise for 20-year-old Moses Itauma.

“For me, Moses is the future of the heavyweight division,” Lee said.

Despite having high regard for Itauma, Lee does not welcome a fight between the youngster and Parker. “There’s no upside to beating Moses for Joe.”

Lee then added that despite Itauma being a ‘significant name’ in the division, it is an unnecessary risk for Parker to fight an up-and-coming fighter, when he has already established his contender status.

This article first appeared on Bloody Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

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