Joseph Parker will defend the WBO heavyweight title, or at minimum his interim version, against the winner of this weekend’s clash between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte.
The New Zealand star stands on the verge of elevation to full champion status if Oleksandr Usyk vacates the belt due to mandatory obligations. However, the situation remains up in the air.
Usyk has lodged a request with the WBO for a medical exception in a bid to keep his title intact.
Despite paperwork from Team Usyk, World Boxing News understands the WBO will be pressing ahead with plans for Parker’s next defense, with Itauma or Whyte positioned as the next challenger.
Even if Usyk is allowed to keep his title for a few more months, Parker will face Itauma or Whyte, and whoever holds the title at that time will reign as the full ruler.
It’s a similar situation to when Usyk gave Daniel Dubois the IBF strap, and which could repeat before Parker faces Itauma or Whyte.
The Path to the Title
Whatever transpires, WBN fully expects Parker to be a two-time heavyweight champion before he fights again.
The final ruling will depend on whether Usyk’s exception is granted, but Parker’s camp is already looking at Itauma or Whyte, rather than Usyk, to avoid lengthy inactivity.
As it stands, Itauma is the hot favorite to defeat Whyte and get the ball rolling on the Parker fight, possibly in Riyadh this December. The Slovakian-born Briton, 20, is being fast-tracked toward world honors after a string of dominant wins since turning professional in 2023.
Whyte, a former interim WBC champion, is aiming for a career revival after recent setbacks both in and out of the ring. The winner in Saudi Arabia this Saturday is expected to get a golden ticket to Parker’s belt, whether full or interim.
Frank Warren Weighs In
Speaking on the situation, Frank Warren told Sky Sports News, “He (Usyk) put a letter in yesterday stating that he’s asked him for an extension period, because he’s injured, before being ordered to do anything.
“Whatever happens, the fact of life is Joseph Parker will either fight as champion if Usyk vacates or he will fight Usyk for the title.
“If Moses or Dillian win, they’re in the number one spot, and if the fight with Usyk and Parker doesn’t happen, then Joe (Parker) will have to fight the official number one contender.”
In a further twist, if Usyk’s request is rejected, the Itauma versus Whyte winner would become Parker’s full WBO mandatory as the new champion. If granted, Parker will defend the interim crown instead, with a potential Usyk fight pushed into 2026.
Either way, the WBO’s next heavyweight title fight runs through Joseph Parker, and all future roads don’t necessarily lead to Usyk.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.