Update: Oleksandr Usyk has been handed a 90-day extension by the WBO to delay his mandatory defense against Joseph Parker on medical grounds. The ruling comes with conditions — and no room for further excuses.
Parker won’t sit idle. He’s cleared to defend his Interim WBO heavyweight title on October 25 in London against Fabio Wardley, keeping active while Usyk recovers. Once the extension expires, the WBO has ordered Usyk to face Parker immediately.
Why the WBO Granted the Extension
Team Usyk submitted certified medical reports in early August, stating the champion wasn’t fit to train. The WBO accepted the documents, though concerns were raised after clips surfaced of Usyk kicking a football with Andriy Shevchenko.
Usyk’s lawyers argued those clips were symbolic, not competitive, and unrelated to fight preparation. The WBO accepted that explanation but set a strict 90-day deadline for Usyk to return.
Parker’s Terms
Queensberry Promotions, representing Parker, agreed to the extension under three key conditions:
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Parker defends against a WBO-approved opponent on October 25 (Wardley).
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Usyk must fight Parker immediately after he recovers.
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If Usyk fails to comply, Parker — or the October winner — will be elevated to full WBO champion.
Timeline of Events
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July 24, 2025 – WBO orders Usyk vs Parker negotiations.
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Aug 9, 2025 – Usyk’s team files medical reports seeking extension.
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Aug 28, 2025 – Football clips spark questions. WBO requests updated certification.
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Sept 1, 2025 – Team Usyk argues clips weren’t related to training.
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Sept 3, 2025 – Queensberry agrees to extension, insists Parker fights October 25.
WBO Ruling
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Usyk granted 90-day medical extension.
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Parker to defend Interim WBO title October 25 vs Wardley.
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Usyk must face Parker next — no further delays.
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If Usyk fails, Parker (or Wardley if victorious) becomes full WBO champion.
This ruling is fair — but it also exposes Usyk’s situation. He’s been run hard over the last few years with back-to-back title fights, and the body’s clearly paying for it. Still, football clips while claiming injury? That’s shaky optics.
For Parker, this is a smart move. He keeps momentum and sharpens himself against Wardley instead of waiting. If Wardley shocks him, he inherits the same golden ticket — a straight path to full champion if Usyk can’t return.
The WBO made sure there’s no wriggle room: either Usyk defends or the interim champ gets elevated. That’s how sanctioning bodies should handle it.