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Roy Jones Jr. names heavyweight contender who is the ‘hardest’ test for Oleksandr Usyk

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Donal Long | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 6:32 AM ET

No fighter has been able to get the better of Oleksandr Usyk as a professional as the Ukrainian extended his unbeaten record to 24-0 in July 2025.

Usyk’s knockout over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium made the fighter a three-time undisputed world champion. The performance even started a debate on how Usyk compares to the best heavyweights of all time.

Dubois was unable to get revenge over the 38-year-old, as he is one of four British heavyweights to stumble at the challenge of Usyk.

Having cleared out the cruiserweight division, Usyk is seemingly doing the same now at heavyweight. However, Roy Jones Jr. feels there is one clear choice for Usyk’s toughest challenge.

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Roy Jones Jr. believes that Joseph Parker can cause Oleksandr Usyk the most problems

The heavyweight division does have fighters lining up for their chance at a world title. However, due to the weight class being fully unified, currently a win over Usyk is the only way to become a champion.

Among the various contenders, there is one that Jones Jr. feels can cause the undisputed champion the most problems.

Speaking to BoxNation, Jones Jr. said, “Joseph Parker is the best fight for him [Usyk] right now.”

The former multi-weight champion went on to add, “Joseph Parker is a guy who has the qualities and the experience it would take to give Usyk the hardest time.”

Despite feeling that Parker boasts disruptive qualities to Usyk’s game, Jones Jr. did not feel confident in saying that the New Zealander could dethrone the champion.

“I’m not saying he’ll beat Usyk by any means, but he’ll give Usyk the toughest fight out of anybody.”

Jones Jr. finished by saying, “If they said, ‘Roy, pick one guy right now to put your money on against Usyk’, who would it be? It would be Joseph Parker.”

The now-retired legend also mentioned that he feels that the WBO ordering a fight between Usyk and Parker does not ensure the fight will happen. Jones Jr. feels that Usyk can do ‘whatever he likes’ in terms of his next opponent.

Roy Jones Jr. gives his take on when Moses Itauma should fight Oleksandr Usyk

When Dillian Whyte and Moses Itauma fight on August 16th, a new contender will be born in the heavyweight division.

The 20-year-old Itauma has received plenty of attention due to his quick rise through the division, however, Jones Jr. feels there is no rush for the fighter.

Describing Itauma’s fight with Whyte as a ‘great test’ for the 20-year-old, Jones Jr. says the prospect is two wins away from a world title opportunity.

“Dillian Whyte is a great test run for him. If he does that, give him someone a little bit higher than that, then you let him fight Usyk.”

Jones Jr. said he did not want a repeat of Jarrell Miller’s loss to Martin Bakole, who he feels was tested at a high level too early in his career.

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

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