Oleksandr Usyk has been officially ordered by the WBO to fight Joseph Parker, his mandatory challenger, after reclaiming undisputed status in the heavyweight division. The Ukrainian stopped Daniel Dubois for the second time on Saturday, regaining the IBF title and retaining his other belts at Wembley Stadium.
In the ring after the bout, Usyk faced off with Jake Paul, who proposed an MMA fight, while Parker also spoke to the champion. However, the WBO has now mandated negotiations for a title fight between Usyk and Parker, who retained the WBO interim title by knocking out Martin Bakole in February.
The WBO stated on Thursday: 'The WBO has officially ordered negotiations for the mandatory heavyweight title bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker. Both parties have 30 days to reach an agreement, or the WBO will proceed to a purse bid.'
Usyk could avoid the fight by relinquishing the WBO title, a move he made last year after outpointing Tyson Fury to become undisputed champion, allowing him to pursue a rematch with Fury. Parker's coach Andy Lee has outlined the strategy needed to beat Usyk, emphasising constant readiness and pressure.
