Unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) could be stripped of his WBO belt unless he agrees to defend the title to his mandatory challenger, Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs).
On March 12, the World Boxing Organization informed promoters Alex Krassyuk (Team Usyk) and Frank Warren (Team Parker) they have 30 days to agree terms.
Their statement read: “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.”
The WBO Interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker missed out on challenging for the IBF World heavyweight championship last month, when the holder Daniel Dubois withdrew through illness on fight week.
Instead, the former world champion from New Zealand knocked out stand-in opponent Martin Bakole in two rounds to extend his winning streak to six on the spin.
Parker’s manager, David Higgins, has already stated that his heavyweight charge is willing to challenge Usyk, “We’d take it in a heartbeat!” he enthused.
“That’s his goal, to fight for a world title. Joseph is patiently waiting, keeping fit, and if an opportunity comes to fight for a world title, he would love to grab it.”
He added, “We have no idea whether or not it will happen next.”
Usyk’s team is currently deep into negotiations with Daniel Dubois’ team to stage a huge summer showdown at Wembley Stadium in London.
Usyk’s promoter, Krassyuk, told Sky Sports, “We are now working on this fight [Usyk-Dubois 2], Wembley as one of the options.”
Usyk has already defeated Dubois, in August 2023 in Poland. The incredible Ukrainian floored the Brit twice, stopping him on the second knockdown just 48 seconds into round nine.
The pound-for-pound king then defeated Tyson Fury twice during 2024 to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in a four-belt era.
Due to the IBF’s strict rules on rematches, the 38-year-old southpaw was forced to vacate their title, which allowed Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua to contest it in September 2024. The underdog, Dubois, demolished the favourite, AJ, to win in five rounds.
If Usyk-Dubois 2 is made, then it will become just the second undisputed heavyweight championship contest of this century. However, the WBO’s latest ruling could mean that their title may not be on the line in that fight.
If Usyk is stripped of the WBO belt, then the top contenders to challenge Parker for the vacant title could be either Moses Itauma or Justis Huni, who are currently in talks to fight this year.
