Oleksandr Usyk has been granted an extension by the WBO for his mandatory defence of his title against Joseph Parker.
Usyk was ordered to defend his WBO crown against interim titlist, Parker shortly after knocking out Daniel Dubois in July to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian requested additional time to negotiate the fight after claiming he suffered a back injury.
With the WBO considering the request for three weeks, Parker opted to move on and will risk his world title shot when he faces Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena on October 25.
The WBO reportedly launched an investigation after a video surfaced on social media of Usyk dancing, despite citing an injury.
However, the governing body has now given Usyk a three-month extension to negotiations, but says the 38-year-old must face their interim champion next.
WBO President, Gustavo Olivieri posted on X: https://x.com/OlivieriLaw/status/1964387283475583154: “1. Re: WBO Heavyweight Division.
“Championship Committee has ruled:
“(i) To grant Usyk a 90-day extension of negotiations to discharge mandatory; and (ii) to authorize Interim Champion Joe Parker to proceed with a voluntary defense against a suitable opponent approved by WBO.
“2. (iii) That Usyk must face the WBO Interim Champion next, without any intervening bouts.
“(iv) That failure to comply will trigger the immediate enforcement of all applicable WBO Rules and Regulations; and (v) v) Committee reserves the right to issue further rulings.
“3… directives, or determinations deemed necessary, proper, and convenient to uphold the purposes and policies of the WBO Rules and Regulations, and to safeguard the best interests of boxing, the WBO, and the Heavyweight Division.”
Parker has been out of the ring since stopping Martin Bakole in two rounds in February, his sixth win in a row.
Wardley maintained his undefeated record and picked up the WBA interim title with a 10th round knockout of Justis Huni in June.
👀 @joeboxerparker & @FabioWardley square off in front of the iconic arena they will go to battle in 👀🏟️#ParkerWardley | Oct 25th | The O2, London | Live on @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/p3HPaXd27k
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) September 8, 2025
“This will be a corker of a heavyweight clash and one which will shine a huge light on the division,” Promoter Frank Warren said.
“Fights like this one are as good as it can get outside of the champion defending his belts and the sort we want to see happen.
“Neither Joe or Fabio wanted to wait about and protect their positions and credit to them both for this.
“I believe this is a genuine even-money fight with a mesh of styles that I am sure will be eye-catching and highly crowd-pleasing.”
