Both parties have been given 30 days to agree upon terms before the WBO proceeds with a purse bid.

Usyk unified the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles last month by knocking out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

But he could be stripped of the latter if he chooses not to make a defence against Parker.

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The Kiwi’s manager Higgins believes this could be a real possibility as Usyk is still yet to get in contact with the relevant parties over a week after the issuance of the WBO’s letter.

Providing an update on Usyk vs Parker to Sky Sports, Higgins said: “Last time I spoke to Frank Warren [who promotes Parker in the UK], there had been no engagement.

“That is what I was told, a couple of days ago.

“It’s boxing, anything can happen. You don’t rule anything in or out, really.

“But I think Usyk would have engaged by now in a discussion or a negotiation if he wanted to retain and defend his undisputed heavyweight world titles.”

If Usyk opts to go another route, then Parker will likely be elevated to full WBO world champion again.

The 33-year-old held the red and gold strap between 2016 and 2018 before he was eventually dethroned by Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.

If this does prove to be the case, then the winner of Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte on August 16 could act as Parker’s first defence.

Itauma is currently the next highest-ranked heavyweight by the WBO.

The major sanctioning body places him at No.1 in their ratings – a position he climbed to in May after flattening Mike Balogun.

Parker remains hopeful that he will get an opportunity to fight for all four world titles against Usyk.

But in his heart of hearts, there is clearly a feeling that he will be overlooked.

Parker told talkSPORT.com last month: “He [Usyk] seemed a bit resistant when he was questioned after the fight [about facing me].

“He named a few names, but I was last on that list. He mentioned Tyson [Fury], [Derek] Chisora, and Anthony Joshua before me.”

Joseph Parker looks to be the next man in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk.

The Ukrainian is once again the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time after he defeated Daniel Dubois by fifth round knockout at Wembley Stadium in London last weekend.

A number of heavyweights were vying to get the next shot at Usyk, including Tyson Fury, Agit Kabayel and Derek Chisora, but after the WBO ordered that a fight against Parker must happen next, the New Zealander looks to be in the driving seat to secure the bout.

READ: WBO reveal what happens next for Oleksandr Usyk

Parker is in a great run of form, having beaten Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole in his last three contests, as he looks to once again become world heavyweight champion having previously held the WBO belt from 2016 to 2018.

He will have to do what nobody else has ever done and defeat Usyk if he is to claim world honours for the second time, and he revealed in an interview exactly what he needs to do in order to be victorious.

“With Usyk, he’s a superior boxer and a very good technician. Ring IQ is very good. You have to apply pressure and match him for punches. He throws a lot of punches, you have to be very fit, have good endurance, and be able to sustain that from the first round to the last round.”

Some of the biggest names in the boxing world have already begun to offer their predictions for a potential Usyk vs Parker fight, with former super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch one of those who has shared his thoughts.

Following Usyk’s knockout of Daniel Dubois last weekend and a trilogy clash with Tyson Fury reportedly being considered for later in 2025, questions have arisen about the next move concerning his WBO obligation.

WBO to meet over Oleksandr Usyk
Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri confirmed the governing body will now assess the situation.

“The Committee will convene this week to determine the next course of action pertaining to the Mandatory title defense obligation in the heavyweight division,” Olivieri told WBN.

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“As to Usyk’s performance last Saturday, he is simply an extraordinary generational talent. But most importantly, he is an exemplary human being.

“Being that the WBO was his first world sanctioning body, it is an honor to have Usyk as our champion inside and outside the ring.”

Who is the WBO heavyweight mandatory challenger?
With Joseph Parker now firmly installed as WBO interim heavyweight champion following his devastating knockout win over Martin Bakole in February 2025, the New Zealander is next in line to challenge Usyk for the full title.

Parker’s rise back into contention comes at the perfect time, with the WBO expected to enforce his mandatory status.

Promoter Frank Warren, speaking after Usyk defeated Dubois for the second time at Wembley Stadium on July 19, declared that Parker had “earned his shot” and told WBO, “it’s time” to make the order.

The WBO will make its ruling at this week’s Championship Committee meeting, where the governing body will rule on the mandatory defense timeline.

Usyk, 37, remains the two-time undisputed champion of the four-belt era, but with ongoing talk of a third Fury fight, Parker’s clear waters are muddier.

The WBO could face pressure to balance its legacy with its obligations. Whether the WBO grants an exception or orders the Parker fight is the question.

WBO officials will provide a formal response on the matter by early next week.

Parker entered the ring when Usyk took out Dubois in devastating fashion. However, YouTuber Jake Paul overshadowed his appearance and stopped him from making his point.

It has to be Usyk vs Parker next or the WBO must give the number one heavyweight contender the belt outright. It’s the only decision to make.