Usyk requests fight with Parker following his injury setback
Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, recently knocked out Daniel Dubois to add the IBF belt to his collection. However, his title defence against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker is causing a stir.
Usyk has requested an extension on the negotiations, citing an injury and the need for rest. The WBO has yet to issue a statement on the situation, but has mandated Usyk to defend his title against Parker by July 27. Both sides have been given 30 days to agree on terms before the bout goes to a purse bid.
If no agreement is reached, the WBO can call a purse bid to arrange the fight. Usyk could also choose to vacate the WBO belt if he does not want to defend against Parker, effectively forfeiting that portion of his undisputed championship status.
In this scenario, Joseph Parker—who is the interim champion and mandatory challenger—would likely be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion. This would significantly impact the heavyweight division, as Parker would become the only undisputed champion.
Meanwhile, Dillian Whyte's focus is on the upcoming fight against Moses Itauma, scheduled for this weekend. The winner of this bout is likely to become the frontrunner to fight Parker for the WBO title, should Usyk vacate or be stripped of the belt.
David Higgins, Parker's manager, stated there had been no engagement from Team Usyk. The WBO has not yet issued a statement on the situation, but it's expected to do so soon.
The stakes are high for Usyk as he navigates this complex situation. Refusing to fight Parker risks losing the WBO title and damages Usyk’s undisputed champion status. Negotiation extensions and injury claims might delay but not indefinitely prevent this outcome if no compromise is made.
[1] WBO orders Usyk to defend title against Parker by July 27 [2] Usyk seeks extension due to injury, WBO yet to grant formal extension [3] WBO mandates Usyk-Parker fight, gives both sides 30 days to negotiate [4] If Usyk vacates or is stripped, Parker likely to become WBO heavyweight champion [5] Joseph Parker denied IBF heavyweight title shot in February
- Usyk's manager might need to negotiate aggressively to secure more time for boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk's recovery, as an extension on the negotiations for the mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker is crucial, given the WBO's deadline of July 27.
- The manager of Joseph Parker, David Higgins, has expressed concern about the lack of engagement from Team Usyk, indicating potential difficulties in reaching an agreement for the much-anticipated sports event, the Usyk-Parker heavyweight title fight.
