Oleksandr Usyk has officially been ordered by the WBO to defend his heavyweight title against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in a mandatory bout.
The Ukrainian superstar was crowned undisputed heavyweight champion on Saturday after a fifth-round knockout win over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Usyk floored the Brit with a thunderous left hand, sealing his 24th straight professional victory and reclaiming his IBF title to unite it with the WBA, WBC, and WBO belts.
Usyk, now a two-time undisputed world champion, had already hinted at Parker as a potential next opponent in the post-fight aftermath.
That possibility became real on Thursday when the WBO issued a letter mandating negotiations between the two camps. They now have 30 days to strike a deal, or the bout will head to purse bids.
Parker, the current WBO interim titleholder, last fought in February in Riyadh, where he dismantled Martin Bakole in just two rounds. Bakole had stepped in for an ill Daniel Dubois.
The Kiwi, who previously held the full WBO title from 2016 to 2018, is riding a six-fight win streak since his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce and now looks to reclaim full championship status.
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