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Joseph Parker Eyes December Return Offers to Fight Moses Itauma if Wardley Goes Well

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 6:51 PM ET

Former WBO world champion Joseph Parker has offered to step in and fight Moses Itauma on Dec. 13 provided his upcoming clash with Fabio Wardley goes to plan. Parker said he wants to stay active and would be ready to fight again at the end of the year if he comes through at London’s O2 Arena on Oct. 25.

“Fighting once a year is just not good enough,” Parker said. “I want to fight as often as I can and if all goes well with Wardley on October 25, put me in the ring again at the end of the year.”

Parker’s case for activity

At 33, Parker has been busier in the past posting an incredible four-fight run in 2024 but this pair of bouts would see him close out 2025 with meaningful matchups. His scheduled fight with undefeated Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs) is only Parker’s second outing in 18 months after stopping Martin Bakole earlier this year, and Parker made clear he doesn’t want to return to long layups.

“I’ll take any fight. I’m not even in this boxing game to be taking my time and picking fights to fight. I will take any fight there is,” he added.

Joseph Parker should be loved by every boxing fan. He’s a true throwback—no tune-ups, no ducking, just real fights.

Calling for Moses Itauma after Fabio Wardley? That’s old-school mentality in a modern era.

Especially when he has been deserving of a world championship shot. pic.twitter.com/QGokEUoEWC

— Zach “” Schumaker (@ZachSchumaker) October 10, 2025

Why Itauma fits the bill

Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) is set to headline Queensberry’s Dec. 13 show at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, but promoter Frank Warren has reportedly struggled to secure a credible opponent for the 20-year-old prospect with some managers asking for large purses. Names such as Michael Hunter and David Adeleye have been mentioned, but Parker said he’d happily enter the running.

“I think Moses is a great talent. He can only fight who’s in front of him and he’s been able to take your business every time. He’s young, he’s powerful, he’s fast. I’ll fight everyone and anyone.”

Parker acknowledged Itauma’s upside and the business realities of matching a blossoming star explaining why sizable money demands are not unexpected for a young prospect on the rise.

Titles, positioning and the Usyk picture

Parker is the current WBO interim champion and is well aware of the stakes. A victory over Wardley the WBA interim champion would strengthen Parker’s claim to a title shot at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, though Parker conceded Usyk’s availability is uncertain while the Ukrainian recovers from a back injury.

“For us, not just the fighters at the top, but all the heavyweight fighters, we want to see a bit more movement with the world titles. So Usyk, come on, man. Come on, we need a bit of action.”

Still, Parker emphasized a fight-by-fight approach.

“Right now I just worry about what I can control and who’s in front of me and I’ll just take it fight by fight. … If Usyk’s available, great, I’ll smash his face in too. But if he’s not available, I’ll take care of whoever’s in front of me.”

What’s next

Parker’s immediate focus remains squarely on Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena on Oct. 25. If he wins and both sides can agree, Parker says he’s ready to close the year in Manchester on Dec. 13 against Itauma a matchup that would pit veteran experience against a highly touted young prospect.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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