Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the World Boxing Organization to defend his WBO heavyweight championship against interim champion Joseph Parker. Both fighters now have 30 days to negotiate the terms of the fight. If they fail to reach an agreement, the WBO will initiate a purse bid to determine the promoter and venue. This announcement comes after Usyk’s recent dominance in the heavyweight division, while Parker has worked his way back into title contention with impressive performances.
Oleksandr Usyk’s Path to the WBO Mandatory Defense
At 38 years old, Oleksandr Usyk has firmly established himself as one of the best heavyweights of his generation. In May 2024, he made history by defeating Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over 25 years. He then defended his titles in December 2024, securing another unanimous decision victory over Fury. However, due to mandatory obligations and the need to keep his belts active, Usyk vacated the IBF title, which later went to Daniel Dubois. Now, with the WBO enforcing its mandatory challenger rule, Usyk must shift his focus to a fight against Parker to retain his title.
Joseph Parker’s Comeback in the Heavyweight Division
Joseph Parker,has had a remarkable resurgence in the heavyweight division. After holding the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018, he lost it to Anthony Joshua and spent years rebuilding his career. In March 2024, he captured the WBO interim title by defeating Zhilei Zhang in a thrilling contest. He further solidified his claim as a top contender with a dominant victory over Martin Bakole in February 2025. With this WBO order now in place, Parker has the chance to reclaim the world championship he once held.
How This Affects Daniel Dubois and the IBF Title
The WBO’s decision has created uncertainty for Daniel Dubois, the current IBF heavyweight champion, who had been in discussions for a unification bout with Usyk. Dubois previously fought Usyk in 2023 but was defeated. However, when Usyk vacated the IBF title, Dubois won it to become the new champion. He was originally scheduled to fight Parker for the IBF belt in February 2025 but withdrew due to illness, leading Parker to fight and defeat Bakole instead. With Usyk now focused on Parker, Dubois’ next move remains uncertain as he awaits his next mandatory challenger.
Watch Usyk vs Dubois Fight Highlights Below:
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