"Will be mandatory": WBO renders verdict on Usyk – Dubois fight for world title

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) will not require Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) to defend his belt if he agrees with Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) to fight for the world title. The federation will prioritize the fight for all super-heavyweight belts.

This was stated by WBO President Gustavo Olivieri in an interview with talkSport. The official reminded that on February 22, the fight between Joseph Parker (35-2, 23 KOs) and Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) will determine the challenger for the fight with Usyk, but such a confrontation may be postponed.

"The winner of the Parker – Bakole fight will be mandatory for Usyk. The question is when the mandatory requirement will be implemented. This remains to be seen, as there is a rotation agreement between the sanctioning bodies. Most likely, the WBO will be next in line, but if a request for a unification fight between Usyk and Dubois is submitted, it will certainly be considered, as unification takes precedence over mandatory fights and is in the best interests of boxing," Olivieri said.

The day before, it became known that Dubois was forced to withdraw from the fight with Parker due to illness. This event greatly affected all the boxers' plans. It is worth noting that the Briton holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt, which the Ukrainian was forced to give up last summer.

It will be recalled that Usyk already fought Dubois in August 2023. Back then, our compatriot won by technical knockout in the ninth round, and the Briton scored a dirty punch below the belt.

Earlier it became known that our compatriot could be deprived of the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt. In addition, promoter Oleksandr Krasiuk named the dates when the boxer will hold his next fight.

Usyk himself told when he intends to end his career. Oleksandr also said that he is preparing to hold the most unusual fight of his career.

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