Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has requested an extension for negotiations on his WBO mandatory defense against Joseph Parker, citing injury. The WBO ordered Usyk last month to face Parker. Its interim champion, starting a 30 day negotiation period set to expire in the third week of August. Usyk’s team has now asked for more time to finalize a deal.
“About a month ago the WBO said Joseph Parker, who is their interim champion, has to challenge Oleksandr Usyk,” promoter Frank Warren told Sky Sports. “Yesterday he put in a letter asking for an extension because he’s injured… Whatever happens, Joseph Parker will either fight as champion if Usyk vacates, or he will fight Usyk for the titles.”
New Zealand’s Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) earned the interim belt with a majority decision win over Zhilei Zhang in March 2024, marking his sixth straight victory under trainer Andy Lee since a KO loss to Joe Joyce in 2022.
If Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) vacates, Warren said Parker would likely face the winner of Saturday’s Moses Itauma–Dillian Whyte bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Usyk, who holds The Ring, IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO titles, became fully unified heavyweight champion for the second time with a fifth-round KO of Daniel Dubois in their July 19 rematch at Wembley Stadium.
Parker has options
Joseph Parker continues to wait for his long-anticipated title shot, as Usyk seeks more time. While Parker could face Moses Itauma in the interim. Make no mistake his sights are firmly set on Usyk and the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.”
Moses Itauma Could Face Joseph Parker for Vacant WBO Heavyweight Title if Usyk Vacates
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