Oleksandr Usyk vs Joseph Parker talks delayed amid worrying update
After Usyk stopped Daniel Dubois in their rematch in July, staying unbeaten and retaining the undisputed heavyweight titles, attention quickly turned to his next challenger.
The consensus is that Parker, 33, is the most-deserving opponent for Usyk, and the 38-year-old was recently ordered to defend his belts against the New Zealander, who is the WBO interim champion and Usyk's mandatory challenger.
Yet a setback to negotiations has come in the form of an injury to the champion, per Warren, who told Sky Sports on Thursday (14 August): '[Usyk] put a letter in yesterday, stating that he's asked him for an extension period – because he's injured – before being ordered to do anything.
'His camp have written asking for a period of time before he has to defend the title. Whatever happens, the fact of life is Joseph Parker will either fight as champion if Usyk vacates, or he will fight Usyk for the title.'
Warren was referring to the possibility that Parker is elevated to official WBO champion if Usyk gives up the main belt. The Queensberry boss then mentioned Saturday's clash between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte, both of whom are promoted by Warren, as potentially tying into Parker's next move.
'If Moses or Dillian win, they're in the No 1 spot,' said Warren, 'and if the fight with Usyk and Parker doesn't happen, then Joe will have to fight the official No 1 contender.
'We'll see what happens, and the WBO will put a statement out on this today or tomorrow. I've been informally told what the position is. The most important thing is to focus on Saturday, it's a very important fight.'
Parker last fought in February, knocking out Martin Bakole in two rounds, after the latter stepped in for an ill Dubois on two days' notice.
The Kiwi is a former world champion, while Usyk is a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion and former undisputed cruiserweight king.
The Ukrainian southpaw outpointed Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in May 2024, before giving up the IBF title to facilitate a rematch with the Briton. In December, he outpointed Fury again to retain the remaining belts.
Then came his stoppage of Dubois – whom Usyk also finished in 2023 – as the modern great regained undisputed status at heavyweight in July.
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The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Oleksandr Usyk vs Joseph Parker talks delayed amid worrying update
Talks over a potential title fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker have been delayed, according to promoter Frank Warren, who has said the Ukrainian is suffering from an injury. After Usyk stopped Daniel Dubois in their rematch in July, staying unbeaten and retaining the undisputed heavyweight titles, attention quickly turned to his next challenger. The consensus is that Parker, 33, is the most-deserving opponent for Usyk, and the 38-year-old was recently ordered to defend his belts against the New Zealander, who is the WBO interim champion and Usyk's mandatory challenger. Yet a setback to negotiations has come in the form of an injury to the champion, per Warren, who told Sky Sports on Thursday (14 August): '[Usyk] put a letter in yesterday, stating that he's asked him for an extension period – because he's injured – before being ordered to do anything. 'His camp have written asking for a period of time before he has to defend the title. Whatever happens, the fact of life is Joseph Parker will either fight as champion if Usyk vacates, or he will fight Usyk for the title.' Warren was referring to the possibility that Parker is elevated to official WBO champion if Usyk gives up the main belt. The Queensberry boss then mentioned Saturday's clash between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte, both of whom are promoted by Warren, as potentially tying into Parker's next move. 'If Moses or Dillian win, they're in the No 1 spot,' said Warren, 'and if the fight with Usyk and Parker doesn't happen, then Joe will have to fight the official No 1 contender. 'We'll see what happens, and the WBO will put a statement out on this today or tomorrow. I've been informally told what the position is. The most important thing is to focus on Saturday, it's a very important fight.' Parker last fought in February, knocking out Martin Bakole in two rounds, after the latter stepped in for an ill Dubois on two days' notice. The Kiwi is a former world champion, while Usyk is a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion and former undisputed cruiserweight king. The Ukrainian southpaw outpointed Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in May 2024, before giving up the IBF title to facilitate a rematch with the Briton. In December, he outpointed Fury again to retain the remaining belts. Then came his stoppage of Dubois – whom Usyk also finished in 2023 – as the modern great regained undisputed status at heavyweight in July.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Oleksandr Usyk finally responds after being ordered to fight Joseph Parker
The Ukrainian became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion last month - but was quickly ordered to defend one of his titles against the Kiwi sensation Oleksandr Usyk has requested an extension on negotiations to fight Joseph Parker due to injury. Last month, it was revealed that the Ukrainian was ordered to defend his WBO heavyweight title against the Kiwi heavyweight star - or risks losing the coveted strap. It came soon after Usyk became an undisputed heavyweight champion for a second time after knocking out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Just weeks on from the WBO's order, boxing promoter Frank Warren has revealed that the Ukrainian star has asked for an "extension period" because he is injured. Alternatively, Parker could go on to face the winner of Moses Itauma's fight with Dillian Whyte - should Usyk decide to vacate the WBO title. In an interview with Sky Sports, Warren said: "The WBO have put out about a month ago that Joe Parker - who is their interim champion - has to challenge against (Oleksandr) Usyk and Usyk has to defend against him. He has put a letter in yesterday, I found out today, stating that he has asked for an extension period because he is injured before being ordered to do anything. "But whatever happens, the fact is that Joe Parker will either as champion, if Usyk vacates the title, or he will face Usyk for the title. So, it's exciting times if Moses (Itauma) were to win or even if Dillian (Whyte) wins... whoever wins that fight, they are in the one spot. And if the fight does not happen with Usyk and Joe, then Joe will have to fight the official number one contender." Last month, the governing body sent an official letter to both Usyk and Parker - which read: "Gentlemen: Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between the subject matter fighters to discharge the mandatory title defence obligation. "By virtue of this order, the parties have thirty (30) days upon issuance of this letter to reach terms. Failure to do so will result in this committee ordering purse bid proceedings in accordance with WBO regulations of World Championship Contests. The minimum bid in the Heavyweight division is one-million dollars ($1,000,000.00). Any of the parties herein may request purse bid proceedings at any time during negotiation stages. "Lastly, the WBO reserves its right to issue any and all further rulings deemed necessary, helpful and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including but not limited to serving those interests that best serve boxing, and the WBO Heavyweight Division. Do not hesitate to contact the WBO headquarters if you have any questions or concerns." Earlier this year, Usyk had revealed he has two more fights in him before officially calling it a day. After knocking out Dubois, the Ukrainian is set for one more outing - and it is fair to say he is not short of options. Earlier this month, it was revealed that the two-division undisputed champion has a three-man hit-list ahead of his final fight. According to 112 Ukraine, Tyson Fury is still in consideration for a trilogy fight. Another name on the the 38-year-old's list is heavyweight sensation, Joseph Parker. The final name on the stacked list is Paul. Both Usyk and Paul faced off in the ring after the former's win over Dubois last month - hinting at a potential showdown between the pair. When is Oleksandr Usyk's next fight? It appears Usyk will take a well-deserved break for the remainder of the year to relax and enjoy precious moments with his family before considering his next move in the squared circle. Following his victory over Dubois, the Ukrainian champion reflected on his age, declaring: "38 is a young guy, remember! 38 is only the start! "I want to say thank you to Jesus Christ. I want to say thank you to my team and Wembley, thank you so much! It's for the people. Nothing is next. It's enough, next, I don't know. I want to rest. My family, my wife, my children, I want to rest now. Two or three months, I want to just rest." He continued: "Maybe it's Tyson Fury," Usyk added. "Maybe we have three choices, Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. Maybe Joseph Parker. Listen, I cannot now say because I want to go back home."
The Sun
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- The Sun
Fuming Conor Benn fought to a ‘DRAW' by ex-Premier League star in brutal sparring session ahead of Eubank Jr rematch
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