Boxing
Oleksandr Usyk ordered to make WBO heavyweight defence against Joseph Parker after Daniel Dubois victory
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Oleksandr Usyk has officially been ordered to defend his WBO heavyweight title against Joseph Parker by the sanctioning body, with thirty days to reach an agreement.
The Ukrainian became undisputed champion in the top glamour division for a second time this month as he stopped Daniel Dubois in five rounds to reclaim the IBF belt.
Parker, the former WBO champion and incumbent interim belt holder, was originally due to face the Briton for his title in February before illness scotched the bout at short notice.
Now, he is in line to likely not only challenge for the full crown but for all four titles if Usyk agrees to take him as his next foe, for what would reportedly be the latter's final fight.
"The WBO has officially ordered negotiations for the mandatory heavyweight title bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker," the body confirmed on social media.
"Both parties have 30 days to reach an agreement, or the WBO will proceed to a purse bid. Let the countdown begin."
Usyk suggested Parker as a potential foe in the wake of his second victory over Dubois, while also namechecking trilogy bouts with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as options.
However, the star suggested he would take time away before confirming his next and possibly last bout as a professional, raising questions over Parker's next steps in the interim.
The New Zealander has not fought since he stopped Martin Bakole, a late replacement for Dubois, in February and could likely not fight again in 2024 depending on his opponent.
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