Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to start negotiations to defend his WBO heavyweight title against Joseph Parker. This comes from Parker’s status as WBO interim champion, after he defeated Zhilei Zhang in March of 2024. Parker has been on a sizzling run and has won 36 fights so far, while only losing 3 bouts. Out of those 36 wins, 24 of those have come via knockouts, which also includes a KO of Martin Bakole in February of 2025, at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The WBO has given both the fighters 30 days to negotiate terms for the mandatory title defense fight, or it will move ahead to purse bids.
Usyk currently holds the WBO, WBA, and WBC heavyweight titles. He cemented his legacy by winning back-to-back bouts over Tyson Fury in 2024. He is the undisputed heavyweight champ and is a perfect 23-0. He’s won 14 of his bouts via knock outs and has been some of the most dominant heavyweights we’ve ever seen. Usyk was linked to a fight against Daniel Dubois but looking at the way things are going, that might not happen anymore.
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Recently, former heavyweight champ Tyson Fury shared his thoughts on the WBO officially ordering Usyk to defend his titles against Jospeh Parker. Let’s see what he had to say.
Tyson Fury recently added a story on his Instagram account which said “About time as well. Give (Joseph Parker) his shot.”
Parker has waited a long time for his shot at title. In fact he must be desperate as it’s been nine years since he captured the WBO belt in Auckland. He previously held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018 but ended up losing his belt to Anthony Joshua. However, since his loss against Joe Joyce in 2022, Parker has been on a roll, winning six consecutive fights. Now he will try to extend his win streak and defeat the undisputed champ in Oleksandr Usyk.
Meanwhile for Usyk, reports state that he wants to retire after two more fights and taking on someone like Parker and defeating him, would solidify his legacy even further. If Usyk retires undefeated, he could join a very short but prestigious company of fighters who remained unbeaten throughout their boxing career.
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