Unified heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk needs an opponent for his first fight in 2025. And the head of the WBO has demanded it be against the hottest fighter in the division.
If there was any doubt before December, Oleksandr Usyk quieted many of his doubters with a second straight over heavyweight legend Tyson Fury. Was it a definitive knockout victory? No, but it is difficult to KO the best fighters in the world. But two consecutive wins over the top heavyweight of the era speaks for itself.
- Oleksandr Usyk record: 23-0
Following his victory, boxing fans have wondered what will be next. Deontay Wilder’s losing streak has removed him from relevancy. A recent loss for Anthony Joshuan rules him out. Likewise for Zhilei Zhang after a pair of defeats, including an upset loss in February.
Well, WBO Chairman Luis Batista Salas has a fighter in mind to be the mandatory challenger for that belt. And it just so happens to be one of the hottest fighters in the division.
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Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker next for heavyweight king?
“Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between [Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker] to discharge the WBO mandatory championship obligation in the Heavyweight Division,” Salas stated in a letter to K2 boss Alex Krassyuk and Queensbury head Frank Warren.
“By virtue of this order, the WBO Interim Championship shall be terminated expeditiously in compliance with our institutional policy of only one world champion per weight class. The parties have 30 days to reach terms,” he added. “Failure to do so will result in this Committee ordering purse bid proceedings in accordance with WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”
- Joseph Parker record: 36-3
Parker has won six straight following a 2022 loss to Joe Joyce. His most recent came when he took on dangerous big man Martin Bakole on short-notice and scored a second round KO. Usyk may relinquish his belt for a different fight. But Parker is probably the most worthy title challenger in the division.
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