Oleksandr Usyk world title decision made after investigation concludes on controversial video

Oleksandr Usyk has been granted a 90-day extension to negotiate his mandatory defence against Joseph Parker on medical grounds.

The Ukrainian was initially afforded more time due to a lingering back injury, but after a video emerged online of the undisputed heavyweight champion dancing, an investigation was launched.

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The WBO demanded an updated medical prognosis from Team Usyk, and they were satisfied with the evidence they received.

If Usyk had been found to be unnecessarily delaying his mandatory obligation, then the WBO would have been within its rights to strip him of his red and gold strap.

However, the 38-year-old will remain WBO heavyweight champion while Parker squares off against Fabio Wardley on October 25 in London.

“Team Usyk’s petition for a 90-day extension is granted on medical grounds,” read a letter addressed to Usyk and Parker’s respective teams from the Chairman of the WBO Championship Committee, Luis Batista Salas.

“The 90-day extension shall have a retroactive effect from the date of submission, August 9, 2025.

“Mr. Joseph Parker, Interim Heavyweight Champion, is authorized to defend his interim title against a suitable opponent approved by this Committee, during the extension period.

“Mr. Oleksandr Usyk shall be mandated to face next the WBO Interim Heavyweight Champion; no intervening bouts will be allowed.

“Failure by Mr. Usyk to comply with this mandate shall trigger this Committee’s intervention to proceed accordingly.

“This Resolution is final, definitive, and enforceable.”

Wardley recently got his hands on the WBA interim title after a stunning come-from-behind knockout win over Justis Huni.

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He now has the opportunity to jump the queue and land a four-belt shootout with Usyk by snatching the WBO’s version of the interim strap from Parker at the O2 Arena.

It will be no easy task, with Parker currently riding a rich vein of form.

The Kiwi rebounded from a stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in September 2022 to string together a six-fight winning streak.

His last three victories have been particularly impressive, with Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole all falling at his hands over the past 21 months.

Parker had been scheduled to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title in February.

However, the fight collapsed after Dubois fell ill.

The Auckland technician is now one win away from challenging for that belt, plus three more (WBO, WBA and WBC) against Usyk.