The WBO has mandated undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to enter negotiations with New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, the current interim titleholder and mandatory challenger.
Usyk, 38, recently defended his crown with a dominant win over Daniel Dubois, while Parker, 33, has rebuilt his career with six consecutive wins since his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce.
The former WBO champion earned his interim belt by defeating Zhilei Zhang and solidified his contender status with a win over Martin Bakole. Both camps have 30 days to reach a deal before the WBO moves to a purse bid.
The WBO has officially ordered Oleksandr Usyk to defend his undisputed titles against Joseph Parker. Both sides have 30 days to reach a deal before purse bids.
Who do you have winning this⁉️ pic.twitter.com/W90vBZThKS
— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) July 24, 2025
