WBO Demands Usyk Undergo Medical Reexamination

World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered undisputed Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to provide updated medical documentation regarding his injury, reports BoxingScene.

Earlier, Usyk had requested to postpone negotiations with WBO interim Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker due to a back injury. However, after videos surfaced showing the Ukrainian dancing and playing football, the organization is now requiring the results of a new medical evaluation by Monday.

In a letter obtained by BoxingScene, WBO Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista Salas addressed Usyk’s lawyer, John Hornewer:

“The medical report must be detailed and thorough, confirming before the WBO Mr. Usyk’s current health condition, prognosis, expected recovery timeline, and any other relevant medical evidence.

The Committee cannot allow further delay or uncertainty without proper explanation. Failure to comply with this request will leave the Committee with only one option — to take appropriate action in accordance with WBO rules and regulations.

These actions place the Championship Committee in a difficult position, as the arguments made in the petition, supported by the submitted medical documents, may now be called into question in light of new circumstances.

The visual evidence appears to contradict the medical recommendations and statements of Team Usyk, who requested a pause in the negotiation period for the mandatory fight,” the letter read.

On July 19, Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to become undisputed champion for the third time. On July 24, the WBO ordered Usyk to begin negotiations with mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, granting 30 days to reach an agreement.

Usyk’s team asked the organization to delay negotiations for 90 days due to the champion’s injuries, and according to the source, the WBO “was ready to agree.” The preliminary medical report advised “abstaining from athletic activity, rest, and physiotherapy for pain relief and recovery.”

Meanwhile, Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) is considering a fight before the end of the year, with interim WBA champion Fabio Wardley viewed as the leading candidate.

Photo: DAZN