The WBO has officially mandated that Oleksandr Usyk must defend his title against interim champion Joseph Parker. Negotiations are set to kick off with a 30-day deadline, and there’s already a ton of buzz about whether Usyk will jump into this showdown or vacate his WBO belt. At 38 years old, the Ukrainian maestro remains on top of the world, having beaten the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois.
For Parker, this opportunity is a dream come true. He was once written off after a knockout loss to Joe Joyce back in 2023, but he’s had a remarkable resurgence. This new boxer-slugger version of the Kiwi fighter looked devastating when he stopped Martin Bakole in just two rounds earlier this year. That performance sent a strong message to the entire heavyweight division—Parker isn’t slowing down.
Now, if Usyk does decide to face Parker, he could make a massive statement by snapping Parker’s six-fight winning streak. However, there’s also a strong financial lure for Usyk if he pursues a unification clash with IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Sometimes, legacy and profit clash in boxing, and it’ll be fascinating to see what path Usyk chooses.
From a style perspective, Usyk vs. Parker promises to be a chess match in the ring. Usyk is well-known for his nimble footwork and pinpoint accuracy, while Parker has embraced a more aggressive mindset, reclaiming that explosive power he once showcased. That makes this a must-watch for any boxing fan, especially if you love seeing elite technique go head-to-head with raw physicality.
So, what do you think?
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