Wilder - old, didn't throw a punch, a shadow of his former self. Parker couldn't even put him down and only had one good flurry the entire match in a boring low volume affair. Zhang - ancient, zero stamina, still put Parker down twice. Parker couldn't put Zhang down and Kabayel had him down and knocked out after about five rounds. Stunk his way to a victory in a low volume match. Bakole - two days' notice, fat as a pot belly pig, no sleep and therefore zero punch resistance. This was Parker's best KO win since about Botha, let that sink in! All I hear is how Parker is now letting his hands go under Andy Lee. If that's the case then why were his two marquee wins (over these old men in which he couldn't put a dent in either) low volume and much lower volume than his loss to Joyce, who he now says he was ill against (Parker makes excuses every time he loses)
Kabayel Zhilei Zhang - 41 year old, obese Chinese man whose only good win was against a 37 year old, fellow plodder Joe Joyce. Frank Sanchez - another glass jawed Cuban who blew up in weight when he entered the pro ranks. Best win was against Effe Ajagba in a glorified sparring match. Arslanbek Makhmudov - another plodder with no significant wins on his resume, who made a name for himself by beating former 40 year old B level contenders in Wach and Takam. Got exposed and smashed up the moment he fought someone in his own age bracket. Dubois Literal class cannon who quit for the 3rd time in his career. Last 3 fight run was smoke and mirrors. Fabio Wardley Another class cannon, and a KO waiting to happen. Got schooled by Huni for 10 rounds, until his power bailed him out. Best wins are against inexperienced domestic level opponents. There, now you have no more contenders. The division is dead as everyone is useless and their resumes suck. Congratulations.
It doesn't matter whether people are right or wrong in their assessment either "new Parker" or "same old Parker". What's important is his ranking. Everyone knows him and Kabayel are the top contenders.
It's not all about records, though. Itauma would beat Parker quite easily and he's not beaten anybody of note.