2025-09-09 09:18:17
Joseph Parker’s team are doubtful whether Oleksandr Usyk will fulfil the mandatory requirement to fight the New Zealander.
The undisputed heavyweight world champion is due to make a mandatory defence of his WBO belt against Parker but his promoter David Higgins is disappointed that a potential fight has been pushed back as Usyk has been granted a 90-day extension for negotiations on medical grounds.
He told Sky Sports: “We don’t control rulings like that. We have to be philosophical. The main thing is to keep fighting and keep winning and you’re right at the top.”
Parker will put his mandatory status at risk when he fights Fabio Wardley next month but Higgins is relieved that the WBO has ordered Usyk to take on the winner of the bout at London’s O2 Arena on October 25.
The promoter said: “It’s pleasing that they’ve said Usyk must fight the winner. It’s gratifying because a lot of hard work has gone into getting this position.
“I don’t know [if Usyk will want to fight the winner]. There’s been so little communication from the [Usyk] camp or engagement. It’s hard to say.
“If I had to bet my house on it, I would say he probably won’t want to [fight Parker]. There has been no correspondence suggesting that they want to make the fight.”
However, Higgins wants his charge to focus on his upcoming bout against the undefeated Brit Wardley.
He said: “Fabio has got a cult following and he’s built an unbeaten record over eight years, never been beaten.
“He’s a fighter that can knock anyone out, he’s got a big punch, so Joseph has got to be on form and fight at his best. He should come through but Fabio could knock anyone out.
“It’s an interesting fight, it’s an exciting fight. It’s a great way to keep in form while we wait for the title.”
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