Overview

• Usyk was ordered on 24 July to negotiate a WBO title defense against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker within a 30‑day window or face a purse bid.
• Usyk’s camp has requested an extension on medical grounds, though public reporting conflicts on whether the WBO has granted the request.
• Parker promoter David Higgins says his side has received no direct communication and questions the injury after video surfaced of Usyk dancing.
• Usyk’s team, via director Serhii Lapin, says the champion needs recovery time after a grueling schedule and has earned the right to choose his next move.
• The WBO pathway remains unresolved with three possibilities still in play: a negotiated deal, a purse bid, or Usyk vacating the belt with implications for Parker’s title shot.