The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has officially mandated that undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk begin negotiations with mandatory challenger Joseph Parker. This decision comes hot on the heels of Usyk's second unification of the heavyweight division, achieved with a fifth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2025.

The Road to the Mandate

• Oleksandr Usyk, the 38-year-old Ukrainian boxing maestro, has yet to taste defeat in his 24 professional fights, with 15 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His latest triumph over Dubois solidified his status as one of the most dominant forces in the heavyweight division.

• Joseph Parker, the 33-year-old New Zealand powerhouse, earned his shot at the title by defeating Zhilei Zhang in March 2024 to claim the WBO interim belt. Parker, who previously held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018, has been on a remarkable six-fight winning streak since his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce.

Negotiations and Stakes

Both parties have been given a 30-day window to reach an agreement. Failure to do so will result in the WBO ordering purse bid proceedings, adding another layer of urgency to the negotiations.

Historical Context

Parker's journey back to title contention has been nothing short of impressive. After losing the WBO title to Anthony Joshua in 2018, Parker has worked tirelessly to rebuild his career. His recent victory over Martin Bakole in Riyadh, where he defended his interim title status, showcased his resilience and determination.

Usyk's Future Plans

Following his victory over Dubois, Usyk expressed a desire to rest for "two or three months" but also mentioned Parker, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Derek Chisora as potential future opponents. This mandate from the WBO ensures that Parker will be the next in line to challenge the undefeated champion.

What’s Next?

The boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of these negotiations. A potential Usyk vs. Parker bout promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both fighters bringing their unique skills and strengths to the ring. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.