- WBO orders Usyk to face Parker in mandatory title defense, Usyk holds WBC WBA and WBO belts after beating Tyson Fury twice.
- Parker won interim title by knocking out Martin Bakole last month.
- Negotiations must conclude within 30 days or purse bid proceedings begin.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has officially instructed Oleksandr Usyk, the current heavyweight champion, to negotiate a mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker, the holder of the interim WBO title.
Both fighters have a 30-day window to come to an agreement; if they can’t, the WBO will start purse bid proceedings to settle the financial details of the fight.
Usyk, who boasts an unbeaten record of 23-0 (with 14 KOs), has recently cemented his status in the heavyweight division with back-to-back victories over Tyson Fury, including an impressive unanimous decision win last December. These victories have further established him as one of the toughest competitors in boxing today.
Joseph Parker, with a record of 36-3 (24 KOs), claimed his interim title last month with a solid second-round knockout of Martin Bakole in Riyadh. Parker, a former WBO champion from 2016 to 2018, now has a chance to reclaim the title he lost seven years ago to Anthony Joshua.
The WBO’s request was delivered through an email from Chairman Luis Batista Salas to the representatives of both fighters—Alex Krassyuk for Usyk and Frank Warren for Parker. The email stressed the importance of addressing this mandatory championship requirement and noted that if not resolved, Parker’s interim title would be at risk.
The WBO has officially ordered heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to defend his title against its ‘interim’ belt holder Joseph Parker. The parties have 30 days to reach a deal before the bout goes to a purse bid. pic.twitter.com/ZPzQFnwba4
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 13, 2025
While discussions are taking place, Usyk has shown interest in other potential matchups, including a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Dubois, who had to pull out of a planned fight against Parker earlier this year due to illness, is also seen as a strong candidate for an undisputed championship bout.
As fans eagerly await to find out who Usyk will face next, Parker needs to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to challenge one of boxing’s top champions and demonstrate his skills on a global stage.
Also Read: Barack and Michelle Obama Consider Producing Tiger Woods Biopic
Last Updated on March 13, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
