Joseph Parker lifting world title in victory with throwback label. Credit: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Joseph Parker became a world champion in 2016 with hard-fought victory over former Anthony Joshua rival

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Donal Long | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 6:57 PM ET

Joseph Parker is currently on a path to become a two-time world champion, as he targets a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

The New Zealand native is coming off of a knockout win over Martin Bakole, as a late withdrawal from Daniel Dubois prevented his world title chances.

Currently on a six-fight winning streak, the former world champion is a clear contender for the heavyweight title. However, despite Parker having a conversation with Usyk, it is unclear if he is next for the Ukrainian.

Winning world titles is not something that is foreign to the 33-year-old. In 2016, Parker was able to conquer the heavyweight division.

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Joseph Parker defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2016 homecoming fight

Two undefeated heavyweights would come together in Auckland in December 2016.

Parker, who had a 21-0 record, would be paired with Andy Ruiz Jr., who had won all 29 of his professional fights. Both Parker and Ruiz Jr. were 24 and 27 years of age, respectively, as the two youngsters fought for gold.

After the WBO World Heavyweight title was vacated by Tyson Fury, Parker and Ruiz Jr. would compete for the belt.

It was a close affair when the two fighters met, with each heavyweight having significant success in the bout.

One judge could not separate the two fighters, scoring the bout even at 114 points apiece. However, the other two judges sided with Parker, winning narrowly with two scorecards of 115-113.

Parker’s pace and speed were the determining factors of the fight, as Ruiz Jr.’s promising start and strong finish were not enough to become a world champion.

Ruiz Jr. would defeat Anthony Joshua in a major upset three years later to finally accomplish his goal.

Joseph Parker would defend his world title twice before falling against Anthony Joshua

Parker would successfully retain his WBO World Heavyweight title twice within one year of beating Ruiz Jr.

In May 2017, Parker once again had an outing in New Zealand, taking on Razvan Cajanu. It was a one-sided showing from the champion, who defeated the 16-2 challenger via unanimous decision.

In September of the same year, Parker traveled to enemy territory to welcome a challenge from Hughie Fury in the UK.

Despite one judge scoring the contest a draw, it was a mostly comfortable performance from Parker, who won the bout via majority decision.

Parker would return to the UK for his next fight in March 2018, but his unification bout with Joshua would not go as planned. Winning via unanimous decision, a 20-0 Joshua spoiled Parker’s perfect 24-0 record, dethroning him in the process.

The New Zealander is yet to pick up another world title since the bout, but is seemingly getting close to an opportunity to do so.

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

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