Boxing
Joseph Parker's promoter raises doubts over Oleksandr Usyk injury claim
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Joseph Parker’s promoter David Higgins has raised questions over Oleksandr Usyk’s supposed injury after footage of the undisputed heavyweight champion dancing at a concert was shared on social media.
Former world champion Parker is the World Boxing Organisation’s (WBO) mandatory challenger for Usyk, with negotiations for a title bout ordered by the sanctioning body.
However, any talks are currently on hold following Usyk’s request for a postponement due to a back injury. The initial 30-day period since the WBO’s mandatory order on July 24 has since elapsed, but the sanctioning body has yet to confirm whether Usyk’s postponement was granted.
Discussing the situation, Higgins told Sky Sports: "I haven't actually seen the medical evidence but you would think that a serious injury would prevent that sort of activity (dancing on stage)."
@daznboxing A career after boxing beckons, for undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk 🪩 🎥 @Oleksandr Usyk #dance #boxing #usyk #fyp ♬ original sound - DAZNBoxing
Parker’s promoter also stated that negotiations between his fighter and Usyk had yet to begin. He continued: "As far as I'm concerned, things are exactly as they were.
“In boxing, nothing surprises me. Joseph just wants to fight and so he's waiting to fight.
"He is focused, prepared and ready to fight anyone, anywhere, and he's waiting for that to land.
"Joseph would like to fight this year for sure, as soon as possible."
It is unclear whether Usyk will welcome the opportunity to face Parker, with the Ukrainian allowed to choose his own future without pressure from his own team.
Earlier this month Usyk’s director Serhii Lapin shared via Ready to Fight: "Throughout his entire professional career, both Oleksandr Usyk and our whole team have proven that we respect all potential opponents as well as the rules that govern professional boxing.
"The champion has earned the chance to let his body recover from the effects of a punishing training regime and from injuries that are often invisible to the outside world. And, ultimately, simply to rest and spend time with his family.
"Most importantly: he has earned the right to choose his own future - and to take the time he needs to make that decision. So, guys, don't push the horses."
Uysk has previously teased further rematches with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Derek Chisora, indicating that the 38-year-old may choose to vacate his WBO belt rather than face Parker.
He has previously vacated one of the four titles that make up his undisputed crown, relinquishing the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title in order to pursue a more lucrative rematch with Fury.
Usyk reunited all the belts in boxing’s most glamorous division by defeating then-IBF champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July.
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