The WBO first ordered Usyk to face Parker in March, but Usyk, who held the WBO, WBA and WBC titles at the time, was able to go ahead with his bout with IBF champion Daniel Dubois to crown an undisputed champion. Usyk crushed Dubois on July 19, scoring a fifth-round knockout.

The WBO, on Thursday morning, officially ordered the undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to defend his title against the interim champion Joseph Parker next. The respective parties have 30 days to reach an agreement, or the WBO will proceed to an open purse bid.

The WBO has ordered heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to begin negotiations over a mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker.