Oleksandr Usyk has successfully secured a 90-day extension from the World Boxing Organization (WBO) for his mandatory title defense. The Ukrainian champion presented medical documentation proving he needs recovery time, allowing him to remain the undisputed heavyweight champion despite postponing negotiations for a fight against Joseph Parker.
"The petition has been satisfied - Usyk has been granted a 90-day extension," the WBO stated in their official decision published on social media platform X.
The championship committee's ruling gives Usyk's team until December 25, 2025, to finalize bout arrangements with Parker's camp. Initially, WBO had set September 2, 2025, as the deadline for reaching an agreement after mandating negotiations begin on July 24.
Parker's promoters, Queensberry Promotions, formally objected to the delay on September 3. Their concerns arose after photos and videos emerged on August 26 showing Usyk appearing healthy, which cast doubt on his need for recovery. However, Usyk's team countered that these images were unofficial and didn't accurately reflect the boxer's medical condition.
The WBO's decision comes with clear conditions. If Usyk proceeds with the mandatory fight against Parker, he'll maintain his undisputed champion status. Should he be unable to compete, the interim WBO champion would be elevated to full title holder.
Interestingly, the 38-year-old Ukrainian last fought on July 19, when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at London's Wembley Stadium. That victory allowed him to retain his WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
Meanwhile, the 33-year-old Parker isn't sitting idle. The New Zealander is scheduled to face interim WBA champion Fabio Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs) in his next bout. Parker's last fight was on February 22 when he scored an early victory against Martin Bakole.
Will Usyk be fully recovered by the December deadline? The boxing world watches as the clock now ticks toward this crucial showdown.
