---
title: "Joseph Parker Could Be Set For Big Fight Rather Than Rematch Zhilei Zhang Next"
canonical: "https://boxing-social.com/news/joseph-parker-may-miss-zhilei-zhang-rematch/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Tom Eaton"
section: "News"
published: "2024-03-21T17:09:43Z"
modified: "2024-03-21T17:09:43Z"
---

# Joseph Parker Could Be Set For Big Fight Rather Than Rematch Zhilei Zhang Next

WBO interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker followed up a career-best win against Deontay Wilder with another upset victory against Zhilei Zhang, but despite being contracted for a rematch, his promoter says that he is also looking at alternate opponents.

The New Zealander survived two knockdowns to claim a majority-decision victory over ‘Big Bang’ Zhang and position himself as mandatory challenger for the winner of the upcoming undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Although, [Zhang’s rematch clause was expected to force a second fight](https://wp.boxing-social.com/news/zhilei-zhang-joseph-parker-rematch-update/), whilst the victor of the Fury-Usyk saga is determined.

Yet, in an [interview with Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13098656/joseph-parker-could-explore-joe-joyce-rematch-as-he-seeks-another-world-title-chance-after-zhilei-zhang-win), Parker’s promoter David Higgins says there were ways to work around the rematch clause with Zhang, and was quizzed on a potential rematch with Joe Joyce after Parker suffered the lone stoppage defeat of his career against him.

> “The contract is for the Zhang rematch but these things do vary if everyone agrees.
>
> “If there was a better option then we would look at the better option as long as everybody agrees. Those discussions are to be had.
>
> “He’s interim WBO champion which means he’s the automatic mandatory for the WBO title so if he’s prepared to wait and things operate as they should he should be offered a title shot in due course.
>
> “But it doesn’t feel that way such is the way boxing works, even if you beat the best you have to be patient.”

After a rough 2023, Joyce bounced back to winning ways against Kash Ali last weekend, and admitted that he would be [open to a potential rematch against the resurgent Parker during the aftermath of his victory.](https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/joe-joyce-names-the-three-fights-hed-like-next-and-it-includes-one-of-boxings-most-dangerous-punchers/u8exa8y7g7sm1b1lxdw4ft27s)