Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk ordered by the WBO to begin negotiations with Joseph Parker for a mandatory title defence.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to start negotiations for a title defense against Joseph Parker amid reported talks between the Ukrainian and Daniel Dubois for a fight to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

The WBO has mandated heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) to take on interim titleholder Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) next. Both fighters have 30 days to negotiate a deal before a purse bid is initiated by the sanctioning body.