Oleksandr Usyk has made it clear that he is most interested in becoming undisputed for a second time at heavyweight – a third time overall – in his next fight, however those plans may be forced to wait.
The elite Ukrainian southpaw first became unified champion with a win over Anthony Joshua, keeping the WBA, WBO and IBF belts in an immediate rematch. After one defence against Daniel Dubois, he had an undisputed fight against WBC Champion Tyson Fury in May of last year. Usyk won to add the final belt to his collection. In the summer, he would vacate the IBF belt due to not facing his mandatory challenger and it was picked up by Dubois, who, after a KO defence against Joshua, still holds it today.
Following Usyk’s rematch win over Fury in December, he made it clear that Dubois, or whoever had the belt, was next, and talks looker positive after Dubois pulled out of a voluntary defence against Joseph Parker in February due to illness, clearing the path for the four-belt clash.
Parker beat late replacement Martin Bakole inside two rounds to retain his WBO Interim belt, but expressed frustrations post-fight that he was set to miss out on his championship shot for the time being. Well, that may not be the case, however it won’t come against Dubois.
“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.”
There is the potential for a deal to be struck, perhaps guaranteeing Parker – who held the WBO belt back in 2016 – a shot after an undisputed fight or both Usyk and Dubois agreeing that they will drop the WBO belt not long after the contest. Announcements as to the next moves of each man are expected in the next few weeks.
