WBO orders Oleksandr Usyk to defend heavyweight title against Joseph Parker

The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has officially ordered heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to begin negotiations for a mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker.

Parker, who has been in top form, earned the interim WBO title after defeating Zhilei Zhang in March 2024.

The New Zealand boxer was initially scheduled to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF title on February 22, but the fight was canceled following Dubois’ withdrawal due to illness.

Now, Usyk and Parker have 30 days to reach an agreement; otherwise, the WBO will initiate purse bid proceedings to determine the financial terms of the fight.

This ruling puts a twist in Usyk’s plans for an undisputed heavyweight title fight against Dubois, as he must now defend his WBO belt or risk being stripped of it.

With Parker eager for a shot at the full title, boxing fans can expect intense negotiations and a potential blockbuster showdown in the coming months.