World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been instructed by the WBO to begin negotiations with Joseph Parker for a mandatory title defense.
Parker, 33, secured his interim WBO title in February with a second-round knockout victory over Martin Bakole.
Ukraine’s Usyk currently holds the WBC, WBA (Super), and WBO heavyweight titles, having claimed a second consecutive win over Tyson Fury in December.
Usyk, 38, and Parker have 30 days to reach an agreement, after which the WBO will initiate purse bid proceedings if necessary.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, is in discussions to fight Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title. Dubois was originally scheduled to face Parker on February 22 but withdrew due to illness and is not seeking to reschedule the bout.
New Zealand’s Parker previously held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018, winning it against Andy Ruiz Jr before losing to Anthony Joshua after two successful defenses. Following a third career defeat to Joe Joyce in 2022, Parker has bounced back with six consecutive victories, including a notable win over former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
Usyk remains undefeated in his professional career, winning all 23 fights, including 14 by knockout.
Saudi Arabia has hosted many major heavyweight clashes in recent years, including Usyk’s two recent fights against Fury in Riyadh.
Before moving up to heavyweight, Usyk was the undisputed cruiserweight champion. However, after defeating Fury in 2024, he vacated his IBF title, allowing interim champion Dubois to be elevated to full champion before his win over Joshua in September.
