Anthony Joshua could be handed a shot at Daniel Dubois’ world title after Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker were ordered to begin negotiations for a mandatory heavyweight clash.
The WBO has revealed that the two teams have 30 days to reach terms following Parker’s win over Martin Bakole last month. In a publicly released notice, the WBO said: “Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between the subject matters fighters to discharge the WBO mandatory championship obligation in the Heavyweight Division.
“By virtue of this order, the WBO Interim Championship shall be terminated expeditiously in compliance with our institutional policy of only one world champion per weight class. The parties have 30 days to reach terms. Failure to do so will result in this Committee ordering purse bid proceedings in accordance with WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”
READ: ‘Firing on all cylinders’ Anthony Joshua could take Daniel Dubois rematch but….
Usyk’s last fight came back in December when he defeated long-time rival Tyson Fury via unanimous decision in Riyadh. As for Parker – the WBO interim title-holder – the Kiwi star now seemingly looks set to challenge for the Ukrainian’s title next as he looks to become a world champion once again.
Usyk recently set out his retirement plan and revealed he wants two more fights before calling it a day. In an interview with Sky Sports, Usyk – an undisputed champion at both heavyweight and cruiserweight – said: “I will fight who will win, Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois, no problem. I think two years, one and a half [left in boxing]. I feel great myself. I feel I have two fights to prepare [for], not more. Just two.”
However, those plans were potentially scuppered after Dubois pulled out of his clash with Parker due to illness. Despite the Brit pulling out, Usyk is still targeting a rematch with ‘Triple D.’ That said, Dubois may have to wait a little while longer but news will come as a boost to Joshua as it could set him up with a rematch with Dubois. ‘AJ’ hasn’t fought since he was knocked out by ‘Triple D’ back in September at Wembley Stadium. The two stars were due to face off right away earlier this year, but Joshua wasn’t deemed fit enough to compete.
Joshua has been tipped to fight Fury this year, despite the latter’s retirement announcement. However, ‘AJ’ was handed a real blow after boxing trainer Andy Lee, who is also Fury’s cousin, revealed the former world champion has no interest in returning. Asked if he is in touch with the ‘Gypsy King’, Lee told iFL TV: “[It’s] just the odd message here and there and he seems very happy. [He said], ‘Andy I’m not f****d.’ That’s what he said. ‘I couldn’t be f****d with it.’ He’s very happy. As bad as it sounds, it depends what the figure is for Tyson. It has to motivate him to come out of retirement. He seems very happy.”
