The WBO have thrown Oleksandr Usyk’s plans off course by ordering him to fight former world champion Joseph Parker.
Ukrainian all-time great Usyk is the unified WBO, WBA and WBC world heavyweight champion who has said several times that he would like to become a two-time undisputed champion in the division. That would mean keeping all his belts and taking on IBF belt holder Daniel Dubois.
He has already beaten the Brit by stoppage back in August 2023 and many think he could do so again having also beaten the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, twice, on his way to the very top of the heavyweight ranks.
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Dubois, though, is on a good run of form having knocked out Anthony Joshua in impressive fashion last time out in September, as well as stopping Filip Hrgvoic and Jarrell Miller over the previous year. He was himself due to fight the in-form Parker back in February but fell ill and withdrew late in the day and is now plotting his return, with Usyk his main target.
Speaking to Al Arabiya, Usyk explained his desire remains to face Dubois for all the belts rather than defend against Parker.
“The WBO told us I should defend this title but now our aim, the goal of our team, is to unite our belts with Daniel Dubois.”
It seems it is now down to the WBO and Parker as to whether they will listen to a step aside deal and take a fight with the winner of Usyk and Dubois, or if they insist their mandatory cannot be avoided and threaten to strip Usyk of the belt.
