Joseph Parker sent a direct message to Usyk: “Respect the rules…”

After a thrilling knockout victory over Daniel Dubois, Ukrainian heavyweight superstar Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC titles and reclaimed the IBF heavyweight belt, cementing his place once again as the undisputed force in the division. However, with this victory comes an obligation—the World Boxing Organization (WBO) has mandated that Usyk must defend the WBO title against Joseph Parker, the interim champion.

But will Usyk honor that mandatory defense? The answer is far from clear.

Parker’s Hopes Hang in the Balance

Joseph Parker, a former WBO heavyweight world champion, has made it clear that he wants a shot at regaining the full title. Parker recently earned a TKO victory over Martin Bakole in the second round during the Riyadh Season boxing event, a win that secured his status as WBO Interim Champion and positioned him as the official mandatory challenger for Usyk’s WBO belt.

Despite this, Parker finds himself in a precarious position. While he is the next in line according to WBO rules, Usyk’s camp has shown little interest in facing the New Zealand fighter—at least not right away. The Ukrainian legend has limited time left in the sport, and after briefly considering retirement following his second victory over Dubois, he now seems more focused on legacy-defining mega-fights than mandatory defenses.

Parker’s Past and Present

Parker has had an up-and-down career since first winning the WBO title in 2016. He lost the belt in a unification bout against Anthony Joshua in March 2018, going the distance but dropping a unanimous decision after 12 rounds. Following that loss, Parker’s career spiraled briefly—he suffered defeats to Dillian Whyte and later to Joe Joyce in 2022.

Though he bounced back with a string of victories, including his recent dismantling of Bakole, critics often dismiss Parker as a “tier-two” heavyweight—a competent fighter but not quite elite. This perception is one of the reasons why Usyk’s team may be reluctant to grant him a shot, despite his mandatory status.

Usyk’s Legacy and His Choices

There is no denying that Oleksandr Usyk is chasing legacy. He became the undisputed cruiserweight champion, then moved up to heavyweight and conquered the likes of Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. His resume and accomplishments have elevated him to an almost mythical status in the sport.

Usyk already vacated the IBF belt once before due to scheduling issues and mandatory obligations that clashed with more lucrative or legacy-worthy fights. Now, even after reclaiming that same IBF title, it’s entirely possible that he could vacate again—this time the WBO belt—if he sees no value in a Parker bout.

Parker’s Promoter: “We Are Still Hopeful”

David Higgins, Parker’s long-time promoter, recently spoke to Sky Sports, sharing his optimism that a fight between Usyk and Parker could still happen before the end of 2025. Higgins acknowledged that the WBO has given Usyk a 30-day negotiation window to arrange his next title defense and made it clear that Parker is ready and willing to step into the ring.

“Joseph Parker is delighted that Oleksandr Usyk has been given 30 days to negotiate a heavyweight world title bout,” Higgins said. “We’re still hopeful. Joseph wants to fight for the full WBO world title and hopes Usyk honors the mandatory.”

Higgins added that few champions in recent memory have been able to hold on to the undisputed heavyweight title for long. Most relinquish at least one belt due to conflicting mandatory obligations, negotiations, or more enticing bouts. That’s why Parker’s team is hoping that Usyk will break the trend and choose to defend all four belts, thereby preserving his status as undisputed champion.

The Reality of the Modern Boxing Landscape

Today’s boxing scene makes it incredibly difficult for any fighter to remain undisputed. The sport is fragmented with multiple sanctioning bodies, each imposing its own mandatory challengers and timelines. Coordinating a defense that satisfies all four governing organizations is a logistical nightmare—one that often results in champions dropping belts voluntarily.

For Usyk, who has nothing left to prove in terms of legacy, the idea of facing Joseph Parker may not be appealing. Parker’s name doesn’t carry the same star power as potential mega-opponents like Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, or even a crossover bout with an MMA champion.

But as Parker’s team correctly points out, honoring a mandatory defense is part of being a unified champion. Opting out might protect Usyk’s legacy from a stylistically tough opponent like Parker, but it would also open him up to criticism—accusations of cherry-picking or ducking.

Is Usyk Avoiding Parker?

Parker’s camp believes that not fighting him would send the wrong message. “Many think Usyk won’t take the fight,” Higgins noted, “but to me, avoiding Parker would be a weak outcome. Joseph has earned this shot, and we remain optimistic the bout can take place before the end of the year.”

Higgins also pointed out that if Usyk vacates the belt, it would essentially strip him of his undisputed title reign—a decision that could diminish the historical weight of his recent accomplishments.

What Comes Next?

The ball is now in Usyk’s court. With only a limited number of fights likely remaining in his career, the Ukrainian star must decide whether he wants to continue defending all four belts, or if he will start relinquishing titles in pursuit of more lucrative or legacy-defining opportunities.

From Parker’s side, the next steps are clear. He will remain active and continue defending his WBO interim title if the Usyk fight does not materialize. However, the New Zealand fighter has made it clear that his eyes are firmly set on a shot at the undisputed title, and he believes he deserves it.

Conclusion: A Champion’s Duty or a Strategic Exit?

The question facing Oleksandr Usyk is not just about boxing—it’s about responsibility. Should a unified champion honor his obligations, even if they don’t excite the fans or fatten the wallet? Or does legacy allow room for selectivity?

Joseph Parker has done everything required to earn his opportunity. Whether or not Usyk will recognize that and grant him the fight remains one of the most intriguing subplots in the heavyweight boxing division.

For now, all eyes remain on Usyk—and the clock is ticking.