Usyk–Parker: WBO Grants Extension for Negotiations

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has granted Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk an extension for negotiations regarding his mandatory title defense against interim WBO champion Joseph Parker.

The decision was made following a request from the Ukrainian, who asked to push back the deadline due to back issues and the toll of grueling fights at the highest level, which have impacted the 38-year-old champion.

Earlier, Serhii Lapin, Usyk’s team director and CEO of Ready to Fight, shared details about the Ukrainian’s future:

“Throughout his professional career, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team have proven that we respect all potential opponents as well as the rules governing professional boxing.

Over the past year and a half, Usyk has accomplished a historic achievement, twice becoming the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. This demanded enormous physical and mental effort and great sacrifice.

The champion has earned the chance to let his body recover from the effects of intense training and from injuries often invisible from the outside. And, ultimately, simply to rest and spend time with his family. Most importantly, he has earned the right to choose his own future — and the timing of that decision.

So, guys, don’t push the horses,” Lapin said.

On July 19, Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to once again become the undisputed champion of the world.

In February, Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) stopped Martin Bakole by technical knockout in the second round.

Photo: Marca