Usyk's future opponent named: Find out who's next in line
Usyk and Parker must fight for the WBO title (photo: Getty Images)
Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) is set to fight interim world champion WBO Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) in his next bout, reports the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
Usyk-Parker fight
The Ukrainian has been given 30 days to negotiate with the representatives of the New Zealander. If no agreement is reached within this time, the organization will arrange a purse bid.
33-year-old Parker is the mandatory challenger for the WBO title. His last fight was in February, when he spectacularly knocked out Congolese boxer Martin Bakole in the second round.
Joseph Parker (photo: Getty Images)
Usyk first earned the WBO title in September 2021 after he defeated Anthony Joshua. Since then, he has successfully defended the title five times, with the most recent defense taking place on July 19, when he defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion.
If Usyk decides not to fight Parker, he will have to forfeit the WBO title. This would result in the loss of his undisputed champion status, and he would remain with the WBA, IBF, and WBC belts.
Photo: instagram.com/worldboxingorg
Usyk earned a record purse for his fight against Dubois. We have also revealed the amount of tax the athlete will pay in Ukraine.
According to the authoritative sports publication ESPN, the ranking of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world was updated after the fight in London. Usyk is also included in the list.
