By Parrot Newspaper 
WBO Orders Usyk to Defend Title Against Parker
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has mandated undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to defend his WBO title against interim champion Joseph Parker, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash in the division.
Both camps have 30 days to negotiate terms; otherwise, the WBO will call for a purse bid.
Parker’s Road to Redemption
New Zealand’s Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) is no stranger to the WBO title. He held the belt from 2016 to 2018 before losing it to Anthony Joshua in a unification bout. Despite subsequent setbacks, including a knockout defeat to Joe Joyce in 2022, Parker has resurged with impressive wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and a dominant stoppage of Martin Bakole in February.
His recent form has positioned him as a legitimate challenger, but dethroning Usyk is a tall order.
Usyk’s Legacy and Future Plans
Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) has cemented himself as one of boxing’s elite, capturing the undisputed heavyweight crown in 2024 by defeating Tyson Fury via split decision. He then solidified his dominance with a unanimous decision win in their rematch.
However, the WBO’s order could complicate Usyk’s plans. His team, led by promoter Alex Krassyuk, is reportedly in negotiations for a rematch with IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, with Wembley Stadium under consideration as a venue.
A Potential Standoff
Usyk may seek an exemption from the WBO to prioritize the Dubois fight, but Parker’s camp will likely push for enforcement of his mandatory status. If no deal is reached within the deadline, a purse bid could determine who controls the fight’s promotion and location.
For now, the heavyweight division remains in flux, with Usyk at the center of multiple challenges. Will he take on Parker as ordered, or will boxing politics dictate a different path? The coming weeks will provide answers.