The holder of the interim WBO title in the heavyweight division, Joseph Parker, will be the next opponent of the winner of the title fight between Alexander Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
As reported by WBO President Gustavo Olivieri, Parker will have the first right to meet with the future holder of all belts in the heavyweight division.
“After carefully considering all arguments presented by all parties involved regarding mandatory defense, the WBO has taken a position that best serves the interests of boxing and, most importantly, the fighters themselves. Therefore, the unification fight will take place, outweighing the mandatory defense. Thanks to this, the heavyweight division will once again crown an absolute champion, raising boxing and the athletes themselves to the highest standards.
Let’s clarify Joseph Parker’s status as a mandatory contender. It remains, and Parker will be next in the rotation system after the unification,” Olivieri’s statement reads.
Let us remind you that the rematch of Usyk with Dubois will take place on July 19 at Wembley Stadium in London.
