Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered to start out negotiations to safeguard his International Boxing Group (WBO) heavyweight name in opposition to Joseph Parker.
The progress may just finish British fighter Daniel Dubois’ hopes of a re-match with the Ukrainian.
The WBO introduced Thursday that Usyk, who additionally holds the International Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Affiliation (WBA) belts, has 30 days to “reach terms” for a compulsory name defence in opposition to Pristine Zealand’s Parker or the governing frame will name for handbag bids.
Parker defended his WBO intervening time name in Riyadh utmost generation with a second-round stoppage of Martin Bakole, a past due substitute nearest Dubois withdrew as a result of condition.
In lieu than reschedule his bout in opposition to Parker, Global Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Dubois had was hoping for a go back crash with Usyk, who defeated the Briton by means of ninth-round knockout in August 2023.
Dubois re-established himself within the heavyweight ranks with stoppage wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic prior to maximum not too long ago knocking out compatriot Anthony Joshua, himself a former international champion, at Wembley in September to tug his skilled file to 22 wins, with two losses and 21 knockouts.
The 27-year-old Dubois was once understood to be in talks to stand Usyk in a struggle that might see all 4 primary international heavyweight titles up for grabs however the WBO’s announcement has difficult the image in a recreation the place the dearth of a unmarried international governing frame manner there are steadily a couple of international champions in the similar weight elegance.
Usyk defeated Britain’s Tyson Enrage in Would possibly 2024 to turn out to be the primary undisputed international heavyweight champion in virtually 25 years. However he vacated his IBF belt prior to the rematch, with Dubois increased to complete champion.
Former undisputed international cruiserweight champion Usyk, 38, prolonged his highest skilled file to 23 wins in as many bouts, with 14 stoppages, nearest defeating Enrage in a re-match in December that supposed he retained the unified WBC, WBA and WBO championships.
Year Usyk was once talking instantly nearest being declared the winner by means of unanimous resolution, Dubois entered the hoop and interrupted the London 2012 gold medallist’s interview to call for a bout.
However it sounds as if Parker, who held the WBO name from 2016 to 2018 and is on a six-fight profitable streak since shedding to Joe Joyce in 2022, has overtaken Dubois because the after contender to stand Usyk.
In February, Usyk mentioned he deliberate to have two extra fights prior to retiring.
AFP