Undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to defend his title against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in a mandatory bout.
Usyk, 38, claimed his 24th professional win with a fifth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois last Saturday at Wembley Stadium, unifying the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO titles.
On Thursday, the WBO issued a letter mandating negotiations between Usyk and Parker, giving both camps 30 days to reach an agreement. If no deal is struck, the fight will go to a purse bid.
Parker, the current WBO interim titleholder, last fought in February, defeating Martin Bakole via second-round stoppage. The former WBO world champion (2016–2018) is currently on a six-fight winning streak since his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce.
Usyk had previously hinted at facing Parker following his historic victory, and this order sets the stage for what could be another major heavyweight showdown.
