Oleksandr Usyk’s plan to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion by rematching Daniel Dubois, now appears to be in limbo.
Usyk, who holds the WBA ‘super’, WBC and WBO titles was looking at a rematch with IBF holder, Dubois who he halted in a controversial fight in August 2023.
However, on Thursday the Ukrainian was ordered by the WBO to defend that belt against mandatory challenger, Joseph Parker.
According to the WBO ruling, the two teams have 30 days to come to an agreement, otherwise a purse bid hearing will be called.
Parker cemented his position as the WBO interim heavyweight champion after stopping Martin Bakole in two rounds in Riyadh last month.
The New Zealander was supposed to have challenged Dubois for his IBF crown, but the 27-year-old withdrew on fight week through illness and Bakole stepped in on 48 hours’ notice.
“If Usyk wants a dance partner,” Parker said after the fight.
“I’ll get uncle Frank to come in here and lock in a fight with Usyk if he wants a dance partner.
“But I want to fight for a world title and I’d like to be champion of the world again too.
“I will fight anyone and everyone.”
Usyk overcame Tyson Fury last May to claim the undisputed heavyweight championship, but relinquished the IBF belt soon after to secure a rematch with Fury, which he won by unanimous decision in December.
Dubois was elevated from interim IBF champion to full titlist and made a first defence in September, knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium.
Usyk, 38, revealed that he had two fights remaining in his storied career with his promoter, Alex Krassyuk revealing earlier this week that talks were ongoing over a Dubois rematch and Wembley Stadium was among the options to stage it if it materialised.
“I feel I have two more fights,” Usyk told Sky Sports.
“No more.
“Just two.”
It remains unclear whether Usyk will go ahead with a mandatory fight against Parker or relinquish the belt.
proboxing-fans.com has reached out to a member of his team for comment on his next move.
