Oleksandr Usyk Ordered to Fight Joseph Parker: How It Could Derail a Tyson Fury Rematch

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has officially ordered undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to defend his WBO title against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker. The governing body has given both camps 30 days to negotiate terms, placing Usyk at a critical decision point—and potentially delaying or derailing the highly anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury.

Why the Parker Order Is Significant For Oleksandr Usyk?

Joseph Parker, the current WBO interim heavyweight champion, has earned his spot with an impressive six-fight win streak, including victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole. With that resume, the WBO has now enforced his mandatory shot at the full title.

For Usyk—who currently holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO belts—the decision is high stakes. If he refuses to face Parker, he risks being stripped of the WBO title and losing his status as undisputed heavyweight champion. That creates serious complications for plans to rematch Tyson Fury, whom Usyk narrowly defeated in May 2024 by split decision.

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What Happens to the Tyson Fury Rematch?

A second fight between Usyk and Tyson Fury has been expected since their first bout unified all four major heavyweight titles for the first time in over two decades. The rematch was targeted for late 2024 or early 2025, and both fighters have publicly expressed interest.

However, the WBO’s order means that Usyk must either face Parker first or vacate one of his four belts. If he chooses to defend his WBO title, the Fury rematch could be postponed until mid or late 2025—if not later. If he vacates the WBO belt, the rematch could still happen, but Usyk would no longer enter the ring as the undisputed champion.

Usyk’s Three Options

Fight Joseph Parker next – Usyk fulfills his WBO obligation and remains undisputed champion, but delays the Fury rematch.
Vacate the WBO title – Usyk proceeds with the Fury rematch but loses the “undisputed” status that gives the fight additional prestige.

Request an exemption from the WBO – If granted, this could allow Usyk to fight Tyson Fury or another opponent first. However, exemptions are rare and must be justified with compelling reasons and evidence of negotiations.