Oleksandr Usyk has learned who his next opponent could be after the latest developments from the World Boxing Organisation (WBO).
Usyk secured the undisputed heavyweight for a second time this past weekend after knocking out IBF title holder, Daniel Dubois, in five rounds at Wembley Stadium. The win took his record to 24-0.
Now, the WBO has ordered the Ukrainian to stage a fight with Joseph Parker next. Both fighters' teams have been allocated 30 days to negotiate a fight agreement, otherwise the WBO will begin proceedings on purse bids.
Parker was previously the WBO title holder in the heavyweight division between 2016-2018. He currently holds the WBO interim championship after beating Zhilei Zhang in 2024.
Parker was scheduled to challenge for Dubois' IBF title in February, but the latter fell sick days before the fight and had to drop out of the contest. Martin Bakole stepped in as a late replacement, but his lack of preparation showed as Parker knocked him out inside two rounds.
Usyk may opt to give Parker a chance at ruling the heavyweight division, but there is the chance the 38-year-old prioritises other fights. Failure to agree a fight with Parker would lead to Usyk having to vacate the WBO belt.
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Who else could Usyk fight next?
Trilogy fights with both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are possible fight options for Usyk next. The Ukrainian has already beaten both of the British fighters on two occasions and would be looking to complete a comprehensive 3-0 sweep if he takes either of them on.
Fury has been vocal about fighting Usyk for a third time. The former world champion believes he should have been awarded the victory in both of his bouts against the undisputed champion.
Fury has not stepped in the ring since the rematch defeat to Usyk last December.
Anthony Joshua would probably be less likely to get another shot at Usyk than Fury as he recently underwent surgery on an elbow injury.
Joshua has not fought since Dubois knocked him out in their contest last September, and may be unwilling to jump right back into another big fight with Usyk.
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