Joseph Parker could be forced to wait even longer for his shot at undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The 33-year-old from Auckland, New Zealand had been declared as the mandatory challenger to Usyk’s WBO world heavyweight title at the end of last month, just days after the Ukrainian icon defeated Britain’s Daniel Dubois to become undisputed champion for the second time.
Parker had previously held the WBO crown between 2016 and 2018, making two successful title defences before he was dethroned by Anthony Joshua back in 2018, falling short in his attempt at becoming the unified heavyweight champion.
Whilst he had been hopeful of securing himself an opportunity at becoming world heavyweight champion once again, Parker’s chances appear to have been dealt a blow.
Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, promoter Frank Warren revealed that Usyk has requested an extension on negotiations for a potential showdown with Parker, after the 38-year-old Ukrainian sustained an injury.
“He (Usyk) put a letter in yesterday stating that he’s asked him for an extension period, because he’s injured, before being ordered to do anything,
Whatever happens the fact of life is Joseph Parker will either fight as champion if Usyk vacates or he will fight Usyk for the title.
If Moses or Dillian win, they’re in the No 1 spot and if the fight with Usyk and Parker doesn’t happen then Joe (Parker) will have to fight the official number one contender.”
As revealed in a statement made by the WBO on July 24, they had given the teams of both fighters just 30 days to come to a suitable agreement before ordering purse bids.
With rumours also circulating that Usyk could actually vacate the WBO crown, Parker may be required to fight for the vacant title against unbeaten British prospect Moses Itauma, who is currently ranked at number 1 with the WBO.
Itauma makes his return to the ring this Saturday night, facing fellow countryman and former WBC interim heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
