'A huge risk' — Parker's dilemma as he waits on Usyk fight
Lee — a former middleweight world champion and a trainer and analyst of repute — also gave an insight into what it would take to beat Usyk, the Ukrainian now widely considered a generational great after beating Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium at the weekend.
Usyk's victory by stoppage in the fifth round made him the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time. The 38-year-old was also an undisputed cruiserweight world champion.
Parker, 33, a former WBO heavyweight world champion, has worked his way back to be the mandatory challenger to Usyk's WBO title, one of several he now holds, but Parker remains in limbo after not fighting since February.
Usyk is now taking time away from the sport after beating Dubois for the second time and his plans are known only to him.
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'We'll see how this all plays out and what Usyk decides to do,' Lee told The Ariel Helwani Show, a combat channel on YouTube.
'He's probably seven months away from fighting. Joe hasn't fought since February. He needs a fight, Joseph.
'When he's active, he's at his best. But who is his next opponent? Fighting [Agit] Kabayel? They're both great fighters, but it's a huge risk for both because of the positions they're in.'
There has been plenty of talk about a fight between Parker and Kabayel, a German who is No.1 with the WBC, but Lee probably put it best when saying of the two in-form boxers: 'These guys are in position but there are huge risks in taking a fight at this stage when you could be in line for a title fight.'
Joseph Parker celebrates his victory over Martin Bakole in February. (Source: Photosport)
The most likely options for Usyk, who stated after his win in front of a crowd of 90,000 that he would not be retiring, is a big-money trilogy fight against Tyson Fury, whom he has beaten twice before, or a 'celebrity fight'. The hearts of many boxing purists would have sunk when he was pictured facing off against the attention-seeking content creator Jake Paul afterwards.
Parker's team, including Lee, manager David Higgins and promotor Frank Warren are clear on what needs to happen next, Lee saying: 'I had a brief conversation with Frank as we were walking back from the ring and I said 'it has to be Joe'. And he said 'we're going to push for Joseph'.
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"But you can't force Usyk to fight anybody… the will has to be on Usyk's side."
It is likely that Parker will have a "stay-busy" fight in the meantime against a fighter who in theory presents a low risk.
English journeyman Dave Allen is one such potential opponent; the 33-year-old, who has a 24-7-2 professional record, is popular at home but is considered to be levels below Parker, who has a 36-3 record and has fought far better opponents.
Allen, interviewed before the Usyk v Dubois fight, said he would welcome the opportunity while remaining realistic about his chances. Parker also welcomed the fight.
And the key to beating Usyk? Don't take obvious rests, said Lee.
"Fighters take breaks in fights – whether it's consciously or unconsciously," Lee said. "There are telltale signs and your opponent will instinctively pick up on it and you'll be attacked.
"What we work on in the gym is body language the whole time and being ready. Keeping your feet in position where you're always ready to punch. If you do have a break, make sure you don't show it and always be ready.
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"That's what Usyk does – he feeds off opponents' breaks. When they look to switch off, he will pressure, pressure, pressure with his magic-wand right hand and he just burns them up – they're mentally exhausted as much as physically.
"Joe is a similar size to him and can fight at a similar pace. He's a crafty, clever boxer, Joe… we won't be taking breaks, we'll have to match him.
"I love the fight – technically it's a great fight between two great heavyweights, between an all-time great and Joseph, who's a [potential] Hall of Famer and possibly and all-time great if he beats Usyk."
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