Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered to face Joseph Parker by the WBO.
The sanctioning body issued the demand for Usyk and Parker to enter negotiations and reach an agreement within the next 30 days.
Usyk currently holds the WBO, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles, while Parker is the WBO interim champion.
‘Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between [Usyk and Parker] to discharge the WBO mandatory championship obligation in the Heavyweight Division,’ the WBO order stated.
‘By virtue of this order, the WBO Interim Championship shall be terminated expeditiously in compliance with our institutional policy of only one world champion per weight class.
‘The parties have 30 days to reach terms.
‘Failure to do so will result in this committee ordering pursue bid proceedings in accordance with WBO regulations of World Championship contests.’
