SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to start negotiations for a title defense against Joseph Parker amid reported talks between the Ukrainian and Daniel Dubois for a fight to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

The World Boxing Organisation ordered Ukraine's world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to open talks with Joseph Parker on Thursday for a mandatory title defence.

In 2024, Fury fought Usyk twice, losing to the southpaw on points both times. In May, Usyk beat Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years; in December, he retained the unified belts with another victory over Fury.

The WBO has officially ordered heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to defend his title against interim champion Joseph Parker, but nothing is set in stone.

Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered to start negotiations to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight title against Joseph Parker. The order could end British fighter Daniel Dubois’s hopes of a rematch with the Ukrainian.

Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk ordered by the WBO to begin negotiations with Joseph Parker for a mandatory title defence.

Tyson Fury shared his honest thoughts on the upcoming heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker. Find out Fury’s reaction and what it means for the highly anticipated fight.

Dubois withdrew from a bout against Parker in February, and now the latter could secure the fight that the Briton wanted above all others

Joseph Parker is waiting and ready to take on Oleksandr Usyk after the world title champion was ordered to start negotiations to defend his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) heavyweight title against the Kiwi.