Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been instructed by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to begin negotiations for a mandatory title defense against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker.
This decision has put an end to British fighter Daniel Dubois’ hopes of securing a rematch with Usyk.
The WBO announced on Thursday that Usyk has 30 days to reach an agreement with Parker. If no deal is made within that period, the governing body will call for purse bids.
Parker recently defended his WBO interim title with a dominant second-round stoppage of Martin Bakole in Riyadh. Bakole stepped in as a late replacement after Dubois withdrew due to illness. Dubois, who had hoped to face Usyk for a shot at unifying all four major heavyweight belts, is now left in a difficult position.
Usyk, who also holds the WBC and WBA titles, became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years after defeating Britain’s Tyson Fury in May 2024. However, he vacated the IBF belt before the rematch with Fury, allowing Dubois to be elevated to full champion.
Dubois, who lost to Usyk in a ninth-round knockout in August 2023, had been rebuilding his career with wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. His recent knockout victory against former world champion Anthony Joshua at Wembley added to his impressive record of 22 wins, two losses, and 21 knockouts.
Despite Dubois’ efforts, Parker has now emerged as the leading contender. The New Zealander, who previously held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018, is on a six-fight winning streak since losing to Joe Joyce in 2022.
Usyk, who boasts a flawless 23-0 record with 14 knockouts, has stated that he plans to fight twice more before retiring. If he successfully defends his title against Parker, his next opponent remains uncertain.