SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered Oleksandr Usyk to initiate negotiations for a title defense against Joseph Parker, amidst ongoing discussions that suggest Usyk may face Daniel Dubois to contest for the undisputed heavyweight champion title.
In December, Usyk successfully defended his WBO, WBC, and WBA belts with a unanimous victory over Tyson Fury. Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois currently holds the IBF title following his ascension when Usyk vacated it.
Usyk, aged 38, had previously defeated Dubois in their 2023 title bout by a ninth-round stoppage. Recent British media outlets have reported the possibility of a rematch, potentially to be held at Wembley Stadium.
However, the WBO has prioritized mandating Usyk and Parker’s camps to begin their negotiations. Should they fail to reach an agreement within a 30-day timeframe, the organization has announced its intention to pursue a purse bid.
The 27-year-old Dubois was originally slated to face Parker in Saudi Arabia last month but had to withdraw due to illness. As a result, Parker fought Martin Bakole, Dubois’ replacement, and won with a second-round stoppage victory.
In a historic achievement last May, Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years after defeating Fury in their initial encounter. Subsequently, he vacated his IBF belt, leading to Dubois’ elevation as champion.
Joseph Parker, aged 33, is a former WBO champion from New Zealand. He claimed the title in December 2016 by beating Andy Ruiz, only to lose it to Anthony Joshua 15 months later.
