Hughie Fury believes the heavyweight division will soon have no choice but to face him, asserting he would have defeated Joseph Parker had the former world champion accepted his challenge last month.

Parker was originally set to fight IBF champion Daniel Dubois on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol’s win over Artur Beterbiev in Saudi Arabia. However, Dubois withdrew due to illness.

With organizers searching for a replacement, Fury volunteered to step in, having previously fought Parker for the WBO title eight years ago.

Instead, Parker fought Martin Bakole, who, despite a rushed trip from Africa, was stopped within two rounds.

Speaking to SportsBoom.com, Fury declared, “One hundred percent, if I had fought Parker, I would have beaten him. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

He added, “People have tried to overlook me, but this year is about proving I’m the best. I’ll have to force these fights to happen.”

Bakole had been working on a construction project in Kinshasa when called to fight Parker. Unprepared and out of shape, he even had to wear Dubois’ gloves, having accepted the bout on just 48 hours’ notice.

Fury, who had publicly offered himself as an opponent before Bakole was chosen, insisted, “I’m definitely being avoided, one hundred percent. But the more active I am, the harder it will be for them to ignore me.”

“I’m ready to fight anyone to reach the top. This is my year to prove myself,” he continued.

Fury, a Stockport native and cousin of Tyson Fury, was just 23 when he faced Parker in 2017. One judge scored it a draw, but the other two awarded Parker the win. He later lost his title to Anthony Joshua.

Now older and wiser, Fury is determined to re-establish himself after overcoming a severe health issue that threatened his career.

Trained by his father, Peter Fury, he returned after a three-year hiatus and signed with GBM Sports, winning both of his fights since defeating Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko at Rotherham’s Magna Centre.

His most recent fight was in September, where he outpointed Christian Thun.

Previously a British and world youth champion, Fury (29-3) believes his partnership with Izzy Asif’s GBM Sports will help him secure a shot at a world title.

With Oleksandr Usyk likely to retire after two more fights and Dubois seeking a rematch with the Ukrainian, Fury’s return comes at the perfect time—especially if the heavyweight titles become vacant in the next 18 months.

“Activity is key now,” Fury said. “Izzy has promised me big fights, so let’s make them happen.”

He emphasized, “I don’t have a specific route, but by the end of the year, I want to have fought a top-10 opponent. The more active I am, the harder it will be for them to avoid me.”

“I just want to fight and beat whoever I need to reach the top.”

Reflecting on his journey, Fury added, “I’ve had my battles outside the ring. Boxing is the easy part. Now, I have my health, and health is wealth.”

“You never know when the phone will ring with a life-changing fight.”

“I’m always ready, and by the end of this year, I hope to be in a great position.”