In a compelling development in the heavyweight boxing scene, undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk has been formally ordered by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to face interim champion Joseph Parker in a mandatory title defense. This marks the second time in 2025 that the WBO has issued such a directive, underscoring the urgency and significance of this matchup in the heavyweight division.
Usyk, the Ukrainian powerhouse who currently holds all four major heavyweight belts, secured his undisputed status with a commanding fifth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois in July 2025. This victory not only reaffirmed his dominance but also set the stage for his next challenge. The WBO's mandate now requires Usyk to negotiate with Parker within 30 days to arrange the bout, emphasizing the organization's commitment to its policy of having one world champion per weight class.
Joseph Parker, the New Zealand-born fighter, has a rich history with the WBO title. He first claimed the belt in 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. via majority decision and held it until 2018, when he lost to Anthony Joshua. Since then, Parker has remained a formidable contender, earning the interim WBO heavyweight title after a series of impressive wins, including back-to-back victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. His latest triumph came in February 2025, when he stopped Martin Bakole in just two rounds, further solidifying his claim for a full title shot.
The WBO's decision to enforce this mandatory fight follows a period of anticipation and some scheduling twists. Earlier in 2025, Parker was expected to challenge Usyk but had to step aside when Daniel Dubois was granted a rematch against Usyk due to controversy surrounding their initial encounter. Dubois, who held the IBF heavyweight title before being stripped for prioritizing a Tyson Fury rematch, was decisively stopped by Usyk in the recent bout, clearing the path for Parker's mandatory challenge.
WBO founding President Luis Batista Salas articulated the organization's stance in a letter to both camps, stating, "The parties have thirty (30) days upon issuance of this letter to reach terms. Failure to do so will result in this committee ordering purse bid proceedings in accordance with WBO regulations of World Championship Contests." The letter also highlighted a minimum purse bid of one million dollars, indicating the high stakes involved. This mechanism ensures that negotiations remain on track and that the fight materializes without undue delay.
Gustavo Olivieri, the WBO president, reinforced this directive on social media, emphasizing the enforcement of the one world champion per weight class policy and confirming that Parker's interim status will be terminated upon the completion of the mandatory bout. This underscores the WBO's intent to maintain clarity and fairness in its championship hierarchy.
For Usyk, who remains undefeated with a record of 24 wins, 0 losses, and 15 knockouts, accepting this fight aligns with his pursuit of a lucrative third undisputed bout anticipated later in 2025. Given his recent performances and the WBO's firm stance, it appears unlikely that Usyk will refuse the challenge. His team, known for effective collaboration—as demonstrated in the recent negotiations leading to the Dubois rematch—may well expedite discussions with Parker's camp to finalize terms.
On the other hand, Parker's journey to this point is marked by resilience and determination. After missing out on a title shot against Dubois due to circumstances beyond his control, he accepted a last-minute fight against Martin Bakole and dispatched him swiftly. His consistent victories against top-tier opponents like Wilder and Zhang have earned him respect and a rightful place as a mandatory challenger.
This upcoming bout holds significant implications for the heavyweight division. Should the fight proceed as mandated, it will not only unify the WBO title under the undisputed champion but also potentially set up a high-profile clash that boxing fans worldwide have been eager to witness. Conversely, failure to agree on terms within the stipulated timeframe could lead to a purse bid, or in the unlikely event of Usyk relinquishing the WBO title, Parker would be elevated to full champion status, mirroring the precedent set when Daniel Dubois was crowned IBF title-holder in 2024.
As negotiations unfold, the boxing community watches closely. The heavyweight division, often the focal point of the sport, is poised for a defining moment. With both fighters bringing compelling credentials and a hunger for supremacy, the Usyk-Parker showdown promises to be a marquee event in 2025's boxing calendar.
In summary, the WBO's insistence on this mandatory fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker reasserts the organization's dedication to its championship policies and sets the stage for a potentially electrifying heavyweight title defense. Fans and analysts alike await the outcome of the negotiations, hopeful that the bout will come to fruition and further elevate the sport's premier weight class.
