With Oleksandr Usyk’s stunning knockout of Daniel Dubois on July 19, the Ukrainian regained the unified undisputed heavyweight championship. But, as the headlines fade, a loud call has emerged from within the boxing world: Joseph Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, has demanded that Usyk defend his mandatory WBO title by facing Parker next. Let’s look at the complete background, timeframe, and impacts.

Mandatory Order: WBO Backs Parker

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has formally authorized discussions between Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed champion, and interim WBO champion Joseph Parker, allowing both parties 30 days to reach an agreement. If negotiations are not reached, a purse bid—with a minimum price of $1 million—will be used to select the location and purse-split arrangements.

Parker gained mandatory challenger status throughout his successful run, defeating Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder, and Martin Bakole, securing his position as No. 3 in The Ring rankings and solidly inside the division’s elite.

Higgins: Demand for Honor, Not Evasion

Promoter David Higgins was forthright with Sky Sports and DAZN, encouraging Usyk not to skirt the defence:

“Nobody has held undisputed status for more than a few months… we hope Usyk will want a reign as undisputed champion and will honour a unification against Joseph.”
“It would be a soft outcome if he doesn’t”
“We are hopeful of a fight before the end of the year”.

Higgins argues that missing Parker, whether by renouncing the WBO belt or seeking other fights, would jeopardize Usyk’s status as an all-time figure and damage the championship system’s credibility.

Usyk’s Legacy vs. Commercial Reality

At 38, Usyk has defeated every top contender, including Fury, Joshua, and Dubois twice, and he currently holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO belts. He is currently a three-time undisputed heavyweight champion, a unique and historic accomplishment.

Nonetheless, Usyk has publicly stated his wish to retire and spend time with his family, while leaving the door open to big-money fights like trilogies with Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, both of whom offer bigger commercial rewards than Parker.

If Usyk avoids Parker, laws require him to relinquish the WBO championship, allowing Parker and the top contenders to fight for it alone—a road Higgins believes would be weak, both competitively and symbolically.

Why a Parker Fight Matters

For Joseph Parker:

This fight represents redemption and a potential career pinnacle. Having previously held the WBO belt (defeating Andy Ruiz Jr in 2016), defeating Usyk would signal the end of his extraordinary journey from contender to undisputed champion.

For Usyk:

It provides an opportunity to establish his unquestionable status—not only against bigger names, but also against the division’s required competitor. Passing up Parker risks damaging the historical background for legacy boxing fans.

For the Heavyweight Division:

Usyk vs. Parker is a rare generational clash between an undefeated champion and a battle-tested contender. It might restore legitimacy to boxing’s regulating mechanism, prioritizing required regulations above promotional storylines.

Negotiation Clock Is Ticking

The WBO’s 30-day negotiation period begins today.

If no agreement is reached, purse bids will be offered. Setting the clock for a late-2025 fight window.

Alternatively, Usyk might give up the WBO title and chase other opponents, but Higgins strongly opposes that.

Final Take: Boxing Crossroads

We are at a watershed point in contemporary heavyweight boxing: Usyk is at the top, owning all four major titles. Joseph Parker is the rightful challenger, having the WBO interim belt and riding a winning streak against some of the division’s toughest opponents. Now it’s up to Usyk to either obey the mandate and defend his unchallenged reign, or walk away from some of it.

If Usyk turns down Parker, he will not only lose the WBO title, but also a major component in the legitimacy of his rule. If he honors the title defense, it could be one of the final significant steps in an already legendary career.

Fans and experts will now pay careful attention. Over the next 30 days, we’ll find out if boxing upholds its own rules—or allows famous names to break them.