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The WBO has officially ordered heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to defend his title against interim champion Joseph Parker, but nothing is set in stone.

While the WBO has set a 30-day negotiation period for the fight to be arranged, the final decision rests with Usyk, and he may opt to vacate the belt in favor of a more lucrative bout against IBF champion Daniel Dubois. “Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee is ordering the commencement of negotiations between the fighters to fulfill the WBO mandatory championship obligation in the Heavyweight Division,” the WBO statement says.

“As a result, the WBO Interim Championship shall be terminated in compliance with our policy of having only one world champion per weight class. “The parties have 30 days to reach an agreement. Failure to do so will result in this Committee ordering purse bid proceedings in accordance with WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”

WBO Orders Oleksandr Usyk to Fight Joseph Parker - Arise News

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Re: Negotiations – WBO Mandatory Heavyweight Championship Contest Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker https://t.co/Syi1MBds0a — WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) March 13, 2025

Parker, who lost the WBO title to Anthony Joshua in 2018, has worked his way back into contention with six consecutive victories, including wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole.

The 33-year-old New Zealander has revamped his style since his knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2023 and now stands as Usyk’s mandatory challenger. Usyk, however, could have bigger financial incentives elsewhere. The Ukrainian, fresh off consecutive victories over Tyson Fury, could stand to make significantly more by facing Dubois, whom he previously defeated in 2023.

A rematch would not only be a more marketable fight but could also allow Usyk to compete for the undisputed heavyweight crown. Fan interest is also a factor, and considering Parker’s style has been labeled as less entertaining compared to other top heavyweights, a Usyk-Parker fight would likely struggle to generate significant pay-per-view sales. If Usyk, 38, follows the money, Parker may be left without his long-awaited title shot while the heavyweight division continues to shift around its biggest names.

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.”

Anthony Joshua

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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.”

“He Doesn’t Have What It Takes” Top Heavyweight Rival Says Anthony Joshua Will Never Fight Him

Anthony Joshua remains a popular target for anyone in the heavyweight division.

Anthony Joshua was a star of the sport almost as soon as he turned pro given that he won an Olympic Gold Medal at his home games in 2012. His career began with a string of early knockouts that led to him quickly becoming the IBF world champion.

Wins over Joseph Parker and Wladimir Klitschko saw him unify the WBO and WBA belts and, even after losses to Andy Ruiz – which he reversed in the rematch – and Oleksandr Usyk, he remains the most rewarding fight for many of his peers.

For that reason, many rivals continue to chase ‘AJ’, who faces fellow Brit Daniel Dubois next time out at Wembley Stadium as he attempts to regain his old IBF belt and become a three-time world champion.

Speaking to The MMA Hour, heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang has expressed his view that he will never get Joshua in the ring with him again having lost to him during the Olympics.

“Mark my words he’s not going to fight me ever. After the 2012 Olympic Games, that was when we initially collided, after that it’s been so many years. I was with Matchroom and I know what happened.

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My managers flew to London and I got word. Look at his opponents – Francis Ngannou from UFC. Robert Helenius. I don’t think he has what it takes to stand up against me. The way he picks his opponents says a lot about him … Neither does Eddie [Hearn], they don’t want it. He’s a cash cow for Eddie.”

Anthony joshua

Although he took a points loss to Joseph Parker last year, Zhang is coming off his best win having stopped Deontay Wilder in five rounds. He has sights set on the Parker rematch whilst the belts are tied up.

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