Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered to face Joseph Parker next, potentially disrupting plans to become two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian won three belts from Anthony Joshua and added the fourth against Tyson Fury last year, though then had to vacate the IBF title to fulfil his rematch with ‘The Gypsy King.’
Daniel Dubois was elevated to full IBF Champion and, after a knockout victory over ‘AJ’, is targeting the undisputed with Usyk – something the Ukrainian has said is the only fight that currently interests him.
Parker, though, is well deserving of a shot after wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole. He was set to face Dubois before the Brit pulled out ill. The WBO has now given the New Zealander and Usyk 30 days to negotiate a mandatory fight.
However, speaking to Sky Sports, president of the sanctioning body, Gustavo Olivieri, said that a petition from the Ukrainian will be considered.
“The WBO ordered the enforcement of its mandatory in the heavyweight division, Usyk-Parker, to be discharged accordingly.
“Not withstanding the foregoing, if a petition is lodged with the WBO requesting that the mandatory be ‘stayed’ until the unification takes place, that is a decision to be rendered by the Championship Committee.
“Per the discretion conferred to the Committee by our governing regulations, such request may be granted.”
Unifications tend to take precedence, however many felt that it would not be the case this time around given Usyk spent 2024 only facing Fury. There is little doubt that his team will put in a request now and await the result, with Dubois hopeful he can get his chance to join the Lennox Lewis as a British undisputed heavyweight champion.
