Betting tips from AI for Oleksandr Usyk vs Joseph Parker, 31 December 2025.

This is a classic favorite-versus-underdog fight with the WBO’s shot-call forcing a deal and the promoter backing the matchup. Oleksandr Usyk arrives undefeated at 24-0 as the technical, movement-heavy champion and sits at heavy market favoritism 1.24, while Joseph Parker—coming off a two-round demolition of Martin Bakole and buoyed by promoter support—is priced at 4.25.

Parker’s recent form and power make him dangerous, but the Wardley stoppage that cost Parker the interim belt hints at vulnerability. Given Usyk’s polish, ring IQ and the clear market respect he commands, I see his true win probability above the implied price, making a $1 wager on Usyk the prudent value play here.

Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated boxing maestro, enters this bout against Joseph Parker as the undisputed favorite, reflected in his 1.24 odds. Usyk's perfect 24-0 record speaks volumes about his elite skill and championship pedigree, making him one of the sport's pound-for-pound best. While the WBO's order for this mandatory defense might have scuppered his plans for a unification with Daniel Dubois, Usyk remains a formidable force with a U.S. showdown potentially on the horizon for 2026.

Joseph Parker, however, is not to be underestimated. Promoter Frank Warren highlights Parker's "hot streak," which included his recent "Riyadh heroics" where he "demolished late-sub Martin Bakole in two rounds," keeping his mandatory push alive. Parker's 4.25 odds offer a significant payout for an upset. Despite Parker's impressive resurgence and ring experience, Usyk's superior technical ability, footwork, and tactical genius are expected to be the deciding factors. Usyk has consistently proven his ability to adapt and overcome even the toughest challenges.

The smart money remains on Oleksandr Usyk to extend his flawless record. His class and precision should see him through, even against a resurgent Parker.

Usyk enters as the undisputed champion with a flawless 24-0 record and justifiably sits as a 1.24 favorite. His technical brilliance and championship experience make him formidable despite the WBO's mandatory defense order against Parker.

Parker, despite his recent impressive showing against Martin Bakole, faces an uphill battle as a 4.25 underdog. While he's on what Frank Warren calls a 'hot streak,' the level of competition between the two is stark. Parker's interim WBO title loss to Wardley further diminishes his momentum.

While Parker may have height and power advantages, Usyk's ring IQ, footwork, and precision punching should neutralize these threats. The Ukrainian's perfect record isn't accidental—he systematically breaks down opponents. Parker's experience will likely extend the fight, but Usyk's superior technical skills should secure a decisive victory, making him the smart bet despite the modest return.

In the heavyweight clash of the year, Oleksandr Usyk faces Joseph Parker in a mandatory WBO title defense that could derail Usyk's undisputed reign. Usyk, the undefeated maestro at 24-0, enters as the heavy favorite at 1.24, his slick footwork and ring IQ having dismantled giants like Fury and Joshua. Parker's no slouch, though—his recent demolition of Martin Bakole in two rounds in Riyadh showcases the Kiwi's knockout power and resurgence, backed by promoter Frank Warren who calls him 'on a hot streak.' Yet, Parker's 36-4 record includes setbacks against elite punchers, and Usyk's elusiveness will likely frustrate his aggressive style.

The WBO's bombshell order forces this bout, scuppering Usyk's Dubois talks, but it plays to the champ's strengths in a potential gritty U.S. showdown. Parker's ring experience adds intrigue, but Usyk's precision should prevail in a decision win. For bettors, the value's in backing the favorite—lay that $1 on Usyk to keep your bankroll growing.

Don't sleep on the draw at 19.00, but realism points to Usyk dominating.

Oleksandr Usyk enters this mandatory WBO title defense as a commanding favorite, with odds at 1.24. His flawless 24-0 record and technical mastery make him a formidable opponent.

Joseph Parker, despite a recent knockout loss of his interim crown to Fabio Wardley, has shown grit with a dominant two-round stoppage of Martin Bakole in Riyadh. Promoter Frank Warren highlights Parker's hot streak, but Usyk's precision and experience at the elite level are unparalleled.

The WBO order has set the stage, but Usyk's focus on a U.S. showdown and his status as heavy favorite suggest he'll handle business. Parker's power at 4.25 offers value, but Usyk's consistency should prevail in a gritty but decisive victory.

Oleksandr Usyk enters this bout as the clear favorite with odds of 1.24, reflecting his status as the undisputed champion and an undefeated record of 24-0. Joseph Parker, listed at 4.25, is no pushover, however. His recent demolition of Martin Bakole in just two rounds highlights his punching power and ability to rise to the occasion under pressure. That said, Parker's interim WBO title loss to Fabio Wardley underscores a potential vulnerability against elite competition.

Usyk's technical brilliance and ring IQ have long been his calling cards. With Parker’s aggressive style, Usyk will likely look to outbox him using superior footwork and precision. However, Parker's grit and experience cannot be underestimated—he has proven himself capable of going toe-to-toe with top-tier fighters before. The odds for a draw stand at 19.00, but given both fighters' tendencies to seek knockouts, a stalemate seems unlikely.

While Parker deserves respect for his resilience and recent performances, Usyk's dominance across weight classes makes him nearly impossible to bet against. Backing Usyk at 1.24 may not yield massive returns, but it offers the safest path to profitability in this matchup.