Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker - WBO Ordered

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ofcourse

[stujones]

Yes sounds like that and a few more viral(ish) videos from Parker and Turki might go for it.

Remember he also said "no" to Usyk vs Fury 3 and now seems up for it.

To be honest, I really see no way Parker can beat Usyk - clearly warrants his shot, but stylewise - I cannot see how Parker will do anything to Parker. Parker could conceivably now beat ALL of Usyk's heavyweight opponents he has faced (the 2025 version of these vs the 2025 version of Parker) - but Parker doesn't have a massive size advantage, not enough power and will be surely giving away everything in terms of boxing ability.

He deserves his chance, but feels a bit like (for those of a certain vintage) when Allan Bosworth won all the mandatories (think he won two eliminators) to face Junior Witter for the British title.

Deserves it and would rather that than going over old ground again - but like other heavyweights now - I am not sure what he can bring to challenge. I might even give Wilder more of a chance really to catch Usyk with just something.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Joseph Parker's team question Oleksandr Usyk injury amid world title stand-off

Oleksandr Usyk has asked the WBO for more time to negotiate a mandatory title defence against Joseph Parker; WBO is yet to grant injury extension but social media footage causes frustrations to grow in Parker's camp

Joseph Parker's promoter David Higgins has questioned Oleksandr Usyk's injury amid a stand-off in fight negotiations.

Usyk, the undisputed world heavyweight champion, has requested an extension to the deadline for talks for a WBO mandatory title fight against Parker due to an injury.

But footage has recently emerged on social media of the Ukrainian dancing at a music concert.

Parker's promoter Higgins told Sky Sports: "I haven't actually seen the medical evidence but you would think that a serious injury would prevent that sort of activity."

Usyk and Parker are yet to open talks for the fight, which was initially ordered on July 24 with a 30-day window to agree terms before a purse bid.

"As far as I'm concerned, things are exactly as they were," said Higgins. "In boxing, nothing surprises me."

Parker, who is a former WBO champion, can challenge for all of Usyk's major titles if the bout goes ahead.

The New Zealander has earned his opportunity after wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole.

"Joseph just wants to fight and so he's waiting to fight," said Higgins.

"He is focused, prepared and ready to fight anyone, anywhere, and he's waiting for that to land.

"Joseph would like to fight this year for sure, as soon as possible."

Upon inquiry from Sky Sports, Usyk's promotional team declined to comment.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Oleksandr Usyk's dancing video prompts WBO to order updated medical exam

Following the emergence this week of a social media video showing undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk dancing and playing soccer, the WBO on Friday ordered him to submit an updated medical prognosis. Usyk previously requested a delay to negotiations with mandatory challenger Joseph Parker over back issues.

The WBO wants the Usyk re-examinination to be performed by Monday.

In a letter reviewed by BS, WBO Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas wrote to Usyk attorney John Hornewer that, “The medical update must be detailed and thorough, and must certify to the WBO Mr. Usyk’s present medical condition, prognosis, estimated recovery timeline and any other supporting medical evidence deemed relevant.

“The committee cannot allow further delay or uncertainty without satisfactory clarification. Failure to comply with this request will leave the committee with no alternative but to take appropriate action in accordance with the rules and regulations of the WBO.”

In a video posted on Instagram two days ago, Usyk is shown dancing, hopping, waving his arms and spinning as a singer performs, with DAZN’s account writing, “A career after boxing beckons, for undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk,” followed by a disco ball emoji.

Usyk, 24-0 (15 KOs), was ordered on July 24 to start negotiations with mandatory challenger and former champion Parker, 36-3 (24 KOs), with 30 days to reach terms. Usyk on August 7 reported undergoing “medical examinations due to prior injuries.”

In that communication, Usyk’s team noted the 38-year-old world champion from Ukraine had made three rugged title defenses – including the 2024 fight of the year versus Tyson Fury – since May 2024, while Usyk has also been affected by the ongoing war between his country and Russia.

On August 9, the WBO received what was described as “certified medical reports” on Usyk from Spain revealing back injuries that required one month without physical activity and one month of therapy until the symptoms were in “complete regression.”

Usyk’s team requested a 90-day suspension of negotiating time, which the WBO was “poised to honor,” according to an individual familiar with the situation but unauthorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Usyk’s prior medical report recommended “suspension from sports activities, rest and physiotherapy for pain relief and recovery,” according to the WBO letter.

Usyk’s dancing and soccer playing caught the attention of Parker’s team, and an individual close to the situation surmised, “From the optics standpoint, what the hell’s this?”

The committee awaits the new exam.

“These actions place the championship committee in a difficult place, as the arguments raised in the petition supported by the supplied medical documents can now be questioned in light of these new developments,” Salas wrote to Hornewer. “The visuals appear to contradict the medical recommendations … and the representations made by Team Usyk … requesting suspension of the negotiation period for the mandatory bout.”

In the meantime, Parker has moved toward taking a voluntary fight before the end of the year, with English heavyweight Fabio Wardley, 19-0-1 (18 KOs), considered the frontrunner to land that bout.

[KiwiRider]

Quack quack.
He's ducking waiting for Turki to map out his next paycheck opportunity.
Dubois did it to Parker, now Uysk.
Before this I would have wanted all the belts to say together
Hope he gets stripped now.

[CaptainSpacerod]

Quack quack.
He's ducking waiting for Turki to map out his next paycheck opportunity.
Dubois did it to Parker, now Uysk.
Before this I would have wanted all the belts to say together
Hope he gets stripped now.

Come off it Kiwi

Usyk's earned the right to fight or not fight whoever he wants. He's not ducking Parker per se, he's biding his time waiting for the fight with the best risk / reward ratio. Doesn't matter if Usyk gets stripped or not, he's still the undisputed champ in the peoples' eyes and if Parker were to pick up the WBO belt and masquerade as champion it would mean nothing.

[gilgamesh]

Quack quack.
He's ducking waiting for Turki to map out his next paycheck opportunity.
Dubois did it to Parker, now Uysk.
Before this I would have wanted all the belts to say together
Hope he gets stripped now.

Whether they strip Usyk of a belt or not. He's the Undisputed Champion. He's been the Undisputed Champion since the first Fury fight.

[KiwiRider]

Quack quack.
He's ducking waiting for Turki to map out his next paycheck opportunity.
Dubois did it to Parker, now Uysk.
Before this I would have wanted all the belts to say together
Hope he gets stripped now.

Come off it Kiwi

Usyk's earned the right to fight or not fight whoever he wants. He's not ducking Parker per se, he's biding his time waiting for the fight with the best risk / reward ratio. Doesn't matter if Usyk gets stripped or not, he's still the undisputed champ in the peoples' eyes and if Parker were to pick up the WBO belt and masquerade as champion it would mean nothing.

What your saying is biding his time,waiting for the best fight - that isn't deliberately stalling his mandatory obligations?
Uysk is #1 - no doubt, but there are obligations that go with it.
He already had his money choice and fought Dubois, while Kayabel and Parker patiently waited. And Parker has said he definitely doesn't want to be gifted the belt, he wants the fight.

[CaptainSpacerod]

Quack quack.
He's ducking waiting for Turki to map out his next paycheck opportunity.
Dubois did it to Parker, now Uysk.
Before this I would have wanted all the belts to say together
Hope he gets stripped now.

Come off it Kiwi

Usyk's earned the right to fight or not fight whoever he wants. He's not ducking Parker per se, he's biding his time waiting for the fight with the best risk / reward ratio. Doesn't matter if Usyk gets stripped or not, he's still the undisputed champ in the peoples' eyes and if Parker were to pick up the WBO belt and masquerade as champion it would mean nothing.

What your saying is biding his time,waiting for the best fight - that isn't deliberately stalling his mandatory obligations?
Uysk is #1 - no doubt, but there are obligations that go with it.
He already had his money choice and fought Dubois, while Kayabel and Parker patiently waited. And Parker has said he definitely doesn't want to be gifted the belt, he wants the fight.

By the letter of the law what you say is correct but we all agree on here that mandatory obligations are just a symptom of the malaise that’s caused by having four different belts. In an ideal world the champ should fight the best opponent available, not a guy who’s been manoeuvred by a certain sanctioning body into a mandatory position

Parker is certainly a candidate for a shot at the man but I think his recent run of wins weren’t as impressive as Dubois’ last 3 fights and so when Dubois, as the most attractive opponent out there, was offered a shot at the undisputed title he rightly took it.

I don’t think Parker brings enough to the table to tempt Usyk into what would be a routine fight that has no particular angle to it to boost PPV sales. I’d sooner see him face Kabayel or Itauma or even Fury again - fights with some intrigue to them - or maybe even a fan friendly guy like Wardley who wouldn’t take a backward step all night.

[gilgamesh]

Come off it Kiwi

Usyk's earned the right to fight or not fight whoever he wants. He's not ducking Parker per se, he's biding his time waiting for the fight with the best risk / reward ratio. Doesn't matter if Usyk gets stripped or not, he's still the undisputed champ in the peoples' eyes and if Parker were to pick up the WBO belt and masquerade as champion it would mean nothing.

What your saying is biding his time,waiting for the best fight - that isn't deliberately stalling his mandatory obligations?
Uysk is #1 - no doubt, but there are obligations that go with it.
He already had his money choice and fought Dubois, while Kayabel and Parker patiently waited. And Parker has said he definitely doesn't want to be gifted the belt, he wants the fight.

By the letter of the law what you say is correct but we all agree on here that mandatory obligations are just a symptom of the malaise that’s caused by having four different belts. In an ideal world the champ should fight the best opponent available, not a guy who’s been manoeuvred by a certain sanctioning body into a mandatory position

Parker is certainly a candidate for a shot at the man but I think his recent run of wins weren’t as impressive as Dubois’ last 3 fights and so when Dubois, as the most attractive opponent out there, was offered a shot at the undisputed title he rightly took it.

I don’t think Parker brings enough to the table to tempt Usyk into what would be a routine fight that has no particular angle to it to boost PPV sales. I’d sooner see him face Kabayel or Itauma or even Fury again - fights with some intrigue to them - or maybe even a fan friendly guy like Wardley who wouldn’t take a backward step all night.

Parker isn't just the #1 contender in the eyes of the WBO though. He's the true #1 contender. He deserves his shot more than anyone else in the division. In many cases Alphabet Soup mandatories aren't worthy. This isn't one of those cases.

[CaptainSpacerod]

I don't think he is the #1 contender and i don't understand why there's such a clamour for him to get a shot.

He's dropped twice against Zhang and edges out a narrow victory against a man who Kabayel destroyed. Then he goes the distance with a totally shot Wilder who gets laid out by Zheng in his next fight. Then he beats a fringe guy who hadn't trained and was totally unprepared for the fight

What's so impressive ? What in those performances compels the undisputed champ to give him a shot ?

[gilgamesh]

I don't think he is the #1 contender and i don't understand why there's such a clamour for him to get a shot.

He's dropped twice against Zhang and edges out a narrow victory against a man who Kabayel destroyed. Then he goes the distance with a totally shot Wilder who gets laid out by Zheng in his next fight. Then he beats a fringe guy who hadn't trained and was totally unprepared for the fight

What's so impressive ? What in those performances compels the undisputed champ to give him a shot ?

Who is the #1 contender then? Who's done more?

Zhang, Wilder and Bakole were all Top 10 rated contenders at the time Parker beat them. What more do you want a contender to do?

[KiwiRider]

If you want a #1 contender it's pretty close between Parker and Kayabel.
They are both on a run of form, Kayabel has gone about his work in a lot more entertaining fashion, but they are both the most deserving candidates.

[Grilling Machine]

A lot of us were writing Parker off years ago, even before Joyce, but the champions of that period have slid at a faster rate and he's caught up.

He's probably as deserving as Kab, the trouble is we've seen him come up short in the past and know what he's about. Maybe Kab's no better (possibly worse), but he's got the mystique of the unknown.

It's interesting - I think the bookies'd be quite even on Kab-Parker, but would go much longer on Parker than Kab against Usyk.

[Ruthless-RKO]

What’s the point?

After Parker already announced his next fight.

[KiwiRider]

The WBO pretending they are calling the shots after they have been called

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBO gives Usyk 90 days, ruling out Moses Itauma next

The World Boxing Organization has outlined its position on the heavyweight division following recent discussions regarding Oleksandr Usyk and his mandatory obligations.

According to President Gustavo Olivieri, the WBO Championship Committee has ruled to grant Usyk a 90-day extension of negotiations to fulfill his obligations.

The committee also authorized interim champion Joe Parker to proceed with a voluntary defense against a suitable opponent approved by the WBO, ensuring the division remains active while discussions continue.

allegedly confirmed that Parker would face Fabio Wardley on October 25, moments before Olivieri released the following statement regarding Usyk.

WBO’s Stance on Usyk’s Path

Olivieri aired clarification on Usyk’s path, stating, “That Usyk must face the WBO Interim Champion next, without any intervening bouts.

“That failure to comply will trigger the immediate enforcement of all applicable WBO Rules and Regulations,” and the “Committee reserves the right to issue further rulings.”

The directives underscore the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the top division while safeguarding the interests of all parties involved.

He added those “directives, or determinations deemed necessary, proper, and convenient to uphold the purposes and policies of the WBO Rules and Regulations, and to safeguard the best interests of boxing, the WBO, and the Heavyweight Division.”

[Twinkle Toes]

Personally I don't see a fight with Parker having much bearing on Usyk's legacy.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Personally I don't see a fight with Parker having much bearing on Usyk's legacy.

Not the point though

[stujones]

A lot of us were writing Parker off years ago, even before Joyce, but the champions of that period have slid at a faster rate and he's caught up.

He's probably as deserving as Kab, the trouble is we've seen him come up short in the past and know what he's about. Maybe Kab's no better (possibly worse), but he's got the mystique of the unknown.

It's interesting - I think the bookies'd be quite even on Kab-Parker, but would go much longer on Parker than Kab against Usyk.

I think the form of some of the opponents in Parker's "renaissance" wins since they have fought Parker is also a factor in why Kab might be considered a better fighter and a better chance vs Usyk.

Zhang - gave Parker a close fight, Parker squeezed out a majority decision as Zhang gassed down the stretch. Kab - largely outclassed and KO'd Zhang. He kind of blew the mystique of Zhang. Yes, could be argued that Parker got there first - but Kab's display was much more convincing.

Wilder - this looked like a great great win for Parker - until we saw Zhang completely bully Wilder in his next fight and dominate him. It then seemed a case that it was Wilder gone down hill.

Bakoyle - okay no opponent since, but he had a good fight with Mr Kipling between his fights and Kipling clearly won.

Whilst again Wadley has been somewhat exposed (although he came through) vs Huni - he is the first under 40 fighter (okay Wilder was something like 39 when they fought, but same difference) he has fought with some notice. Kab's opponents in recent times have surely been more ambitious.

Kab brings power to the equation vs Usyk - not sure what Parker brings being honest, which is why I think stylewise - Kab is more trouble for Usyk than Parker. I just don't see how Parker can beat Usyk, what he brings etc. Even an aged Usyk, Parker has had a tough career (Whyte, Chisora 1, Joyce, Zhang , Ruiz- he took a lot of shots in these fights) and could age before Usyk.

[mickey1975]

A lot of us were writing Parker off years ago, even before Joyce, but the champions of that period have slid at a faster rate and he's caught up.

He's probably as deserving as Kab, the trouble is we've seen him come up short in the past and know what he's about. Maybe Kab's no better (possibly worse), but he's got the mystique of the unknown.

It's interesting - I think the bookies'd be quite even on Kab-Parker, but would go much longer on Parker than Kab against Usyk.

I think the form of some of the opponents in Parker's "renaissance" wins since they have fought Parker is also a factor in why Kab might be considered a better fighter and a better chance vs Usyk.

Zhang - gave Parker a close fight, Parker squeezed out a majority decision as Zhang gassed down the stretch. Kab - largely outclassed and KO'd Zhang. He kind of blew the mystique of Zhang. Yes, could be argued that Parker got there first - but Kab's display was much more convincing.

Wilder - this looked like a great great win for Parker - until we saw Zhang completely bully Wilder in his next fight and dominate him. It then seemed a case that it was Wilder gone down hill.

Bakoyle - okay no opponent since, but he had a good fight with Mr Kipling between his fights and Kipling clearly won.

Whilst again Wadley has been somewhat exposed (although he came through) vs Huni - he is the first under 40 fighter (okay Wilder was something like 39 when they fought, but same difference) he has fought with some notice. Kab's opponents in recent times have surely been more ambitious.

Kab brings power to the equation vs Usyk - not sure what Parker brings being honest, which is why I think stylewise - Kab is more trouble for Usyk than Parker. I just don't see how Parker can beat Usyk, what he brings etc. Even an aged Usyk, Parker has had a tough career (Whyte, Chisora 1, Joyce, Zhang , Ruiz- he took a lot of shots in these fights) and could age before Usyk.

Bakolie boxed a draw since Parker.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Team Parker: So Little Communication From Usyk Camp, He Probably Doesn't Want The Fight

At long last, Joseph Parker has a fight date set again.

Eight months after dismantling short-notice opponent Martin Bakole in Saudi Arabia to retain his interim WBO crown, the former champion will make another defence on October 25 against in-form WBA interim beltholder Fabio Wardley.

Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs) produced a thrilling come-from-behind knockout win over then-unbeaten contender Justis Huni in his native Ipswich on June 7 before openly observing the muddled landscape atop the sanctioning body's rankings.

Kubrat Pulev-Michael Hunter was initially set for August 23, then moved to October 4 in Miami, all while Hunter had agreed terms to box Jarrell Miller as part of the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford festivities later this week.

That has since fallen through and there's no clarity over whether the previous WBA 'regular' title bout will continue as planned, with Wardley's unbeaten stablemate Moses Itauma rising above Hunter to No. 1 in last month's rankings update.

New father Wardley has kept his promise to stay busy in the meantime and faces another career-best challenge knowing that, if successful, a meeting with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk isn't so fanciful after all.

Usyk was ordered to begin talks before a matchup with mandatory challenger Parker, five days after producing a fifth-round stoppage win over Daniel Dubois in their July 19 rematch at Wembley.

His team requested an extension, with team director Serhii Lapin explaining the champion had earned the right to decide his own future and take time recovering from a 'punishing' training regime where he sustained injuries.

Although questions were asked about said ailments after footage emerged of Usyk dancing and playing football last month, they were countered by insisting those actions were not 'indicative of ring readiness' nor inconsistent with medical advice.

The WBO have since granted Usyk a 90-day medical extension, retroactive to August 9, meaning the revised 30-day negotiation period will now begin on Friday, November 7.

The timeline aligns almost perfectly for the Parker-Wardley winner and while Team Parker would've preferred Usyk sooner, the Kiwi is grateful to stay active in the meantime.

His promoter, David Higgins, told Sky Sports that it's a welcome step in the right direction - even if Usyk's team have given him the impression they're not interested.

"It's pleasing that they've said Usyk must fight the winner. It's gratifying because a lot of hard work has gone into getting this position.

"I don't know [if Usyk will want to fight the winner]. There's been so little communication from the [Usyk] camp or engagement, it's hard to say. If I had to bet my house on it, I would say he probably won't want to [fight Parker]."

Regardless, he's got a determined knockout artist to prepare for now.

"Fabio has got a cult following and he's built an unbeaten record over eight years, never been beaten. He's a fighter that can knock anyone out, got a big punch, so Joseph has got to be on form and fight at his best.

"He should come through but Fabio could knock anyone out. It's an interesting, exciting fight, great way to keep in form while we wait for the title."

[stujones]

A lot of us were writing Parker off years ago, even before Joyce, but the champions of that period have slid at a faster rate and he's caught up.

He's probably as deserving as Kab, the trouble is we've seen him come up short in the past and know what he's about. Maybe Kab's no better (possibly worse), but he's got the mystique of the unknown.

It's interesting - I think the bookies'd be quite even on Kab-Parker, but would go much longer on Parker than Kab against Usyk.

I think the form of some of the opponents in Parker's "renaissance" wins since they have fought Parker is also a factor in why Kab might be considered a better fighter and a better chance vs Usyk.

Zhang - gave Parker a close fight, Parker squeezed out a majority decision as Zhang gassed down the stretch. Kab - largely outclassed and KO'd Zhang. He kind of blew the mystique of Zhang. Yes, could be argued that Parker got there first - but Kab's display was much more convincing.

Wilder - this looked like a great great win for Parker - until we saw Zhang completely bully Wilder in his next fight and dominate him. It then seemed a case that it was Wilder gone down hill.

Bakoyle - okay no opponent since, but he had a good fight with Mr Kipling between his fights and Kipling clearly won.

Whilst again Wadley has been somewhat exposed (although he came through) vs Huni - he is the first under 40 fighter (okay Wilder was something like 39 when they fought, but same difference) he has fought with some notice. Kab's opponents in recent times have surely been more ambitious.

Kab brings power to the equation vs Usyk - not sure what Parker brings being honest, which is why I think stylewise - Kab is more trouble for Usyk than Parker. I just don't see how Parker can beat Usyk, what he brings etc. Even an aged Usyk, Parker has had a tough career (Whyte, Chisora 1, Joyce, Zhang , Ruiz- he took a lot of shots in these fights) and could age before Usyk.

Bakolie boxed a draw since Parker.

Oh yeah, I forgot that. Yeah it was a draw and most people thought he was a tad lucky to get that. It was a fight he was widely expected to win before the Parker situation unfolded, so not a good result for Parker.

[joshj909]

A lot of us were writing Parker off years ago, even before Joyce, but the champions of that period have slid at a faster rate and he's caught up.

He's probably as deserving as Kab, the trouble is we've seen him come up short in the past and know what he's about. Maybe Kab's no better (possibly worse), but he's got the mystique of the unknown.

It's interesting - I think the bookies'd be quite even on Kab-Parker, but would go much longer on Parker than Kab against Usyk.

I think the form of some of the opponents in Parker's "renaissance" wins since they have fought Parker is also a factor in why Kab might be considered a better fighter and a better chance vs Usyk.

Zhang - gave Parker a close fight, Parker squeezed out a majority decision as Zhang gassed down the stretch. Kab - largely outclassed and KO'd Zhang. He kind of blew the mystique of Zhang. Yes, could be argued that Parker got there first - but Kab's display was much more convincing.

Wilder - this looked like a great great win for Parker - until we saw Zhang completely bully Wilder in his next fight and dominate him. It then seemed a case that it was Wilder gone down hill.

Bakoyle - okay no opponent since, but he had a good fight with Mr Kipling between his fights and Kipling clearly won.

Whilst again Wadley has been somewhat exposed (although he came through) vs Huni - he is the first under 40 fighter (okay Wilder was something like 39 when they fought, but same difference) he has fought with some notice. Kab's opponents in recent times have surely been more ambitious.

Kab brings power to the equation vs Usyk - not sure what Parker brings being honest, which is why I think stylewise - Kab is more trouble for Usyk than Parker. I just don't see how Parker can beat Usyk, what he brings etc. Even an aged Usyk, Parker has had a tough career (Whyte, Chisora 1, Joyce, Zhang , Ruiz- he took a lot of shots in these fights) and could age before Usyk.

We can do that for Kabayel too. He has faced:
- Zhang who had just been exposed by Parker and a year older which is significant for an old man.
- Sanchez who was injured and inactive. His best win was already several years old against Ajagba, who drew with the Bakole that Parker flattened.
- Makhmudov who has been exposed by Vianello and could very soon become a completely irrelevant win if Allen beats him too.

In terms of KO's neither have tended to carry much power with both having a KO record in the 60s percent but Parker nearly has as many KO's as Kabayel has fights.

Both have a flawed record which haven't aged amazingly but they've had the best wins in recent years.

[gilgamesh]

Personally I don't see a fight with Parker having much bearing on Usyk's legacy.

Many Heavyweight title defenses aren't big legacy shaking fights. They're just another notch on the belt. Itauma or Wilder would be the biggest names Usyk could add for legacy points. If Wilder manages another win over anyone, even another Herndon type i wouldn't be surprised to hear his name bandied about.

The new Champion beating up a former Champion is a boxing tradition as old as the hills.