Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk has been instructed by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) to defend his heavyweight title against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in a mandatory bout.
Usyk recently cemented his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion after delivering a dominant fifth-round stoppage victory over Britain’s Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The triumph marked his 24th consecutive professional win, securing his IBF belt once again and unifying it with his existing WBA, WBC, and WBO titles.
Following his historic win, the undefeated 38-year-old named Parker as a potential challenger in upcoming title defences. On Thursday, the WBO formalised that possibility by issuing an official directive for both camps to enter negotiations for the mandatory fight.
Read also: Usyk Beats Fury To Become Undisputed Heavyweight
Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker have been given a 30-day window to finalise terms for their mandated heavyweight title fight, with the World Boxing Organisation warning that a purse bid will be initiated if negotiations collapse.
Joseph Parker, who currently holds the WBO interim heavyweight title, reinforced his contender status with a swift second-round knockout against Martin Bakole in Riyadh this February. Bakole had stepped in as a late replacement after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness.
The New Zealander, who reigned as WBO heavyweight champion from 2016 to 2018, is riding a six-fight winning streak, having rebounded strongly from his 2022 defeat to Joe Joyce.