Heavyweight Showdown: Usyk vs. Parker on the Horizon

The WBO has announced negotiations for a heavyweight title match between interim champion Joseph Parker and unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Both parties have 30 days to agree on terms. If unsuccessful, the WBO will conduct a purse bid. Usyk, the reigning champion, recently regained the IBF title.

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has called for negotiations between its interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker and the unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The ruling body stated on Thursday that both camps have a 30-day window to agree on terms for a mandatory title defense for Usyk.

Should they fail to reach an agreement within the stipulated time, the WBO will initiate a purse bid, with a minimum bid set at one million dollars. The WBO highlighted that any involved party could request the purse bid proceedings during the negotiation phase if needed.

Usyk has been WBO champion since 2021 after defeating Anthony Joshua and has since unified the title with the WBA and IBF belts. He recently regained his IBF status after defeating Daniel Dubois. Parker secured the interim championship last year and defended it against Martin Bakole in February.

(With inputs from agencies.)