The former WBO heavyweight world champion is no longer content with being a respected gatekeeper or fringe contender. After a string of impressive wins in late 2024, Parker has positioned himself for an electrifying 2025, packed with high-stakes bouts that could redefine his legacy in the heavyweight division.

Here’s a breakdown of the three career-defining fights that will determine whether Joseph Parker rises again as a true title contender—or if this is his last dance at the elite level.

1. Parker vs. Zhilei Zhang – A Clash of Redemption and Power

Date: March 9, 2025
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Status: Confirmed

The year kicked off with a bang as Parker faced off against Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese juggernaut known for his sheer knockout power and awkward southpaw style. Coming into the fight, Zhang had bounced back from a controversial loss to Filip Hrgovic and was seen as a dark horse in the heavyweight division.

For Parker, this was not just a return to big fights—it was a redemption bout. Critics had begun labeling him as a fighter who couldn’t handle aggressive, heavy-hitting opponents after his loss to Joe Joyce in 2022. But against Zhang, Parker flipped the script.

He used his superior footwork, fast hands, and slick counters to frustrate Zhang over 12 rounds. Although Zhang landed some dangerous shots early, Parker absorbed the damage, adapted mid-fight, and closed the show with a strong championship performance in the final rounds.

The unanimous decision win over Zhang gave Parker the credibility he needed heading into the next phase of his 2025 schedule—and reminded fans that the Kiwi isn’t done yet.

2. Parker vs. Frank Sanchez – Styles Make Fights

Date: July 20, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Status: Officially Announced

The next big test comes against Frank Sanchez, the Cuban technician who has remained unbeaten and under the radar for far too long. Known for his defensive mastery and footwork, Sanchez presents a completely different challenge than Zhang.

This is a fight for the purists, and more importantly, it’s a WBC title eliminator.

Parker has traditionally struggled against slick boxers—fighters who won’t trade, who frustrate with angles, and who prefer tactical warfare over a brawl. Sanchez fits that mold perfectly, making this perhaps the most dangerous stylistic matchup on Parker’s schedule.

But there’s more at stake than just rankings. Beating Sanchez means Parker gets within striking distance of a WBC title shot—likely against the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk II, or whoever is crowned interim champ should the belts get splintered.

Training out of Tyson Fury’s camp, Parker has the benefit of elite preparation and a renewed focus on pressure fighting. The addition of Andy Lee as a full-time trainer has brought noticeable improvements in Parker’s head movement, jab consistency, and stamina.

If Parker wins this one, it won’t just be a resume booster—it’ll prove that he can solve any style, not just slugfests.

3. Parker vs. Anthony Joshua – The Big Rematch?

Date: TBD (Targeted for Q4 2025)
Location: Likely London or Riyadh
Status: In Negotiation

Perhaps the most tantalizing fight on the table is a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua. Their first clash in 2018 was a unification bout that saw Parker lose a competitive yet one-sided decision. Since then, both men have changed dramatically.

Joshua has gone through multiple trainers, tactical reinventions, and image transformations. Meanwhile, Parker has quietly rebuilt himself, sharpened his skills, and returned to elite form.

With Parker now riding a strong winning streak, and Joshua always in need of meaningful fights between title runs, this rematch makes sense both commercially and competitively. According to inside sources, promoters in Saudi Arabia are highly interested in hosting this blockbuster in December 2025.

If it happens, it will be the biggest fight of Parker’s career—a chance to avenge his most high-profile loss, cement his place in the top five, and maybe even get himself lined up for a title shot in early 2026.

The narrative writes itself: the quiet Kiwi vs. the reinvented superstar. And this time, the stakes may be even higher than before.

Why 2025 Matters More Than Ever for Joseph Parker

At 33 years old, Joseph Parker is at the point in his career where every decision, every round, and every punch matters. He’s no longer the young upstart. He’s not the underdog prospect. He’s the veteran trying to claw his way back to the top in a crowded and chaotic heavyweight division.

But 2025 has offered him something rare in boxing—a clear and structured path to greatness.

By beating Zhilei Zhang, he shook off the critics.
By signing to fight Frank Sanchez, he’s taking the hard road, not the easy one.
And if the Anthony Joshua rematch is finalized, he’s chasing legacy, not just paydays.

This isn’t a farewell tour. This is a resurrection.

What’s Changed in Parker’s Game?

One of the keys to Parker’s resurgence has been his physical conditioning and mental sharpness. He’s noticeably leaner, more aggressive, and no longer tentative in close-range exchanges. The change began in 2023 after partnering with trainer Andy Lee, and the improvements have snowballed since.

He’s also more comfortable pressing the action—a big shift from his previous counterpunching, reactive style. Against Zhang, we saw Parker willingly trade when needed, while keeping his balance and avoiding the ropes. Against Sanchez, those same traits will be tested in a different way, and he’ll need to rely on ring IQ and patience rather than pure grit.

Moreover, Parker is now working regularly with Tyson Fury’s camp, giving him access to top-tier sparring, elite coaching, and the mental edge that comes with training alongside a champion.

Fan Support and Media Spotlight

Joseph Parker has always been a humble, media-friendly presence in the heavyweight scene, and fans are starting to rally behind him in new ways. From New Zealand to the UK, and now even among American fans, there’s growing belief that Parker is once again a top-level threat.

Social media engagement around his fight with Zhang exploded, and his matchup with Sanchez is already generating buzz among analysts, who see it as a high-stakes chess match.

And if the Joshua rematch is announced, expect a global push behind Parker—who has gone from underdog to fan-favorite without ever needing to trash talk or stir controversy. He lets his fists do the talking.

A Champion’s Mentality Without the Belt

Even without a title belt around his waist, Parker carries himself like a champion. He’s fighting dangerous opponents, staying active, and taking the fights that matter. That’s something fans and purists appreciate in an era where too many heavyweights duck each other for years.

And should Parker win all three of these 2025 matchups, he won’t just be in line for a title shot—he’ll be respected as one of the most resilient and consistent heavyweights of the last decade.

Not many fighters come back from setbacks the way Parker has. But then again, not many fighters are Joseph Parker.

Final Thoughts

2025 is the year of Joseph Parker’s redemption, reinvention, and revenge.

Three fights.
Three opponents with vastly different styles.
Three opportunities to leave behind the shadows of the past and step back into heavyweight greatness.

Win all three, and Parker will have rewritten his story—from the “safe pick” to the man who took the hard road and conquered it.

For a fighter who’s been doubted, dismissed, and sidelined, this isn’t just a big year—it’s everything.