Oleksandr Usyk faces being stripped of world title | Boxing News

Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered to defend his WBO heavyweight crown against Joseph Parker – or face the prospect of being stripped of the celebrated belt. The Ukrainian secured undisputed heavyweight supremacy for a second event following his devastating knockout victory over Daniel Dubois before 90,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium final weekend.

Usyk dominated proceedings from the opening bell to the ultimate second. Although ‘Triple D’ loved fleeting success during the competition, the ‘Cat’ swiftly concluded issues in the fifth spherical. Usyk floored the British fighter with a crushing proper hook and against expectations, Dubois managed to rise from the canvas, only to be completed moments afterwards when the Ukrainian unleashed a precision left hand.

Following his second triumph over the Briton, Usyk has acquired a somewhat firm directive from the WBO. The sanctioning organisation has commanded the two-weight undisputed champion to put the title on the road against Parker.

In correspondence dispatched to both camps, the WBO acknowledged: “Gentlemen: Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between the subject matter fighters to discharge the mandatory title defence obligation.

“By advantage of this order, the events have thirty (30) days upon issuance of this letter to attain phrases. Failure to do so will end result in this committee ordering purse bid proceedings in accordance with WBO rules of World Championship Contests. The minimal bid in the Heavyweight division is one-million {dollars} ($1,000,000.00). Any of the events herein might request purse bid proceedings at any time during negotiation phases.

“Lastly, the WBO reserves its right to issue any and all further rulings deemed necessary, helpful and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including but not limited to serving those interests that best serve boxing, and the WBO Heavyweight Division. Do not hesitate to contact the WBO headquarters if you have any questions or concerns.”

Should Usyk select not to face Parker, he will likely be pressured to give up his WBO belt – or face being stripped of it.

In the rapid aftermath of Saturday night time’s bout, boxing promoter Frank Warren disclosed his need to see Usyk take on Parker next, while also confirming that Tyson Fury has requested a third encounter with the Ukrainian.

When questioned about which contest he’d desire to witness next for Usyk, Warren instructed his post-fight press convention: “His [Usyk’s] first defence of his title is the WBO belt and that will be against Joe Parker. So that again would be a great fight.

“I imply I would love to see the Joe Parker struggle. Joe deserves it. He’s on a run himself, similar as Daniel was on, and that’s the struggle that’s been ordered. So a method or one other it would occur, or Joe will struggle for the vacant title. Tyson has made it very clear to me; he’d love that [Usyk] struggle, he would love to do that struggle and it would be a massive struggle.”

The New Zealand fighter is enjoying a remarkable run of form, having defeated Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole in succession. Parker’s coach, Andy Lee, recently disclosed that his charge possesses the tools to spring a surprise against the Ukrainian champion and has outlined their tactical preparations.

“What we work on in the fitness center is being prepared at all instances and physique language in the ring, and protecting your ft in a place where you are all the time prepared to punch,” Lee explained on the Ariel x Ade Show. “If you’re resting and you’re taking a break, you do not show it. You look as if you’re prepared to assault and you are prepared to punch. That’s mainly what we do and that’s what Usyk does.

“Usyk feeds off his opponent’s breaks. When they look to take that little switch, he’ll attack them. He can pressure, pressure, pressure, feint with his magic wand right hand and he just burns them up. They are mentally exhausted as much as physically. And then when he wants to rest, he can move and dip and dive under the big guys’ punches.”

When is Oleksandr Usyk’s next struggle?

Usyk was planning on taking a break for the rest of the 12 months to recuperate and spend high quality time with his household before contemplating his next transfer in the boxing ring. Reflecting on his age following the bout with Dubois, Usyk declared: “38 is a young guy, remember! 38 is only the start!

“I would like to say thanks to Jesus Christ. I would like to say thanks to my staff and Wembley, thanks so a lot! It’s for the people. Nothing is next. It’s enough, next, I do not know. I would like to relaxation. My household, my spouse, my kids, I would like to relaxation now. Two or three months, I would like to just relaxation.”

He further hinted at potential future opponents, saying: “Maybe it is Tyson Fury. Maybe now we have three selections, Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. Maybe Joseph Parker. Listen, I can not now say because I would like to go back home.”