The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has confirmed receipt of a petition to allow Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois to face off in an undisputed heavyweight championship bout, potentially sidelining mandatory challenger Joseph Parker. The petition, which seeks to prioritize the unification clash over Parker’s mandatory status, is currently being reviewed by the WBO Championship Committee.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri explained the situation, stating, “There is a petition before the Championship Committee to consider a Usyk-Dubois unification to consolidate the heavyweight championships. At this time, we have not rendered a ruling. When the Committee determines appropriate, we will formally announce the ruling.”
He further assured that “upon an official ruling regarding this matter, we will publicly announce the official decision, including Parker’s mandatory status if that be the case.”
Usyk, who holds the WBO, WBA, and WBC heavyweight titles, is coming off a legendary run that saw him unify all major belts in 2023. Meanwhile, Dubois, the IBF titleholder, has been vocal about his desire for a rematch with the Ukrainian following their controversial first encounter in August 2023. In that fight, Usyk stopped Dubois in the ninth round after surviving a contentious fifth-round body shot that some argued should have been ruled a knockout blow.
Dubois has since made his intentions clear; “My primary focus lies with trying to secure an undisputed heavyweight title fight with Usyk in July.” His camp has argued that another clash with Usyk would provide clarity after their first meeting’s disputed moments.
Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, also weighed in on the matter, explaining their preference for the unification bout over Parker’s challenge. “If undisputed makes itself possible, it will be the priority,” Krassyuk told Sky Sports.
Parker, who earned his mandatory status by defeating Martin Bakole earlier this year, may have to wait longer for his shot at Usyk if the WBO rules in favor of Usyk-Dubois.
While Parker’s camp has expressed frustration over the delay, there is no doubt that a unification bout between Usyk and Dubois would generate more excitement among fans and financial interest for the parties involved.
