The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to begin negotiations over a mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker. Parker, who has been on a sensational run of fights,

The WBO has mandated heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) to take on interim titleholder Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) next. Both fighters have 30 days to negotiate a deal before a purse bid is initiated by the sanctioning body.

In 2024, Fury fought Usyk twice, losing to the southpaw on points both times. In May, Usyk beat Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years; in December, he retained the unified belts with another victory over Fury.