Oleksandr Usyk ORDERED to defend his heavyweight belts against Joseph Parker by WBO – despite talks opening for undisputed fight with Daniel Dubois

Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered to face Joseph Parker by the WBO.

The sanctioning body issued the demand for Usyk and Parker to enter negotiations and reach an agreement within the next 30 days.

Usyk currently holds the WBO, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles, while Parker is the WBO interim champion.

‘Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between [Usyk and Parker] to discharge the WBO mandatory championship obligation in the Heavyweight Division,’ the WBO order stated. 

‘By virtue of this order, the WBO Interim Championship shall be terminated expeditiously in compliance with our institutional policy of only one world champion per weight class.

‘The parties have 30 days to reach terms.

Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to face his mandatory challenge Joseph Parker

Parker is currently the WBO interim champion and has won each of his last six fights

Parker beat Martin Bakole last month, after his opponent stepped in to replace Daniel Dubois

‘Failure to do so will result in this committee ordering pursue bid proceedings in accordance with WBO regulations of World Championship contests.’ 

The WBO order comes despite Usyk’s manager revealing talks have begun for him to  face Daniel Dubois in an undisputed heavyweight world title fight.

The Ukrainian, who remains undefeated and has claimed undisputed crowns at both heavyweight and cruiserweight, had reportedly identified Dubois as his next target. 

Usyk beat Tyson Fury in May last year to claim all four heavyweight titles before vacating the IBF belt, which is now held by Dubois.

Usyk – who beat Fury for a second time in December 2024 – was eyeing up the winner of Dubois vs Joseph Parker as his next opponent.

Dubois ultimately pulled out just days before the fight due to an illness.

Parker went on to fight and defeat Martin Bakole in Saudi Arabia, with the New Zealander extending his unbeaten run to six fights.

The 33-year-old had previously held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018, before losing to Anthony Joshua.

Reports emerged this week of a potential rematch clash between Usyk and Daniel Dubois

Dubois’ team felt hard done by that a body shot was deemed a low blow when the boxers met in a heavyweight title fight back in August 2023 

His promoter David Higgins said Parker would take the fight with Usyk ‘in a heartbeat’. 

‘We have no idea whether or not it will happen next,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘But I can tell you this. I’ve spoken to Joseph Parker today and he would love to fight for a world title. He will fight anyone, anywhere for a world title.

‘That’s his goal, to fight for a world title. Joseph is patiently waiting, keeping fit, and if an opportunity comes to fight for a title, he would love to grab it.’

Usyk recently revealed he believes he has two fights remaining in his career. 

‘I will fight whoever will win [between Parker and Dubois]. Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois, no problem,’ Usyk said prior to Parker and Dubois scheduled fight last month.

‘I think two years, one and a half [left in boxing],’ he said. ‘I feel great myself. I feel I have two fights to prepare [for], not more. Just two.’

Reports emerged earlier this week of a potential rematch between Usyk and Dubois.

Dubois was in attendance in Riyadh as Usyk prevailed against Fury for a second time and decided to get in the ring after the result was read out to make his feelings known

Usyk stopped Dubois in the ninth round in Poland in August 2023 but Team Dynamite disgruntled by the result.

They felt hard done by given a body shot that dropped the Ukrainian was ruled a low blow earlier in the fight.

Dubois was in attendance in Riyadh as Usyk prevailed against Fury for a second time and decided to get in the ring after the result was read out to make his feelings known.

After crashing Usyk’s ring interview, Dubois said: ‘Well done on tonight. I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s get in here. Let’s go.’