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.”
JUST IN: Anthony Joshua given hope after new Oleksandr Usyk fight ruling
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.
