Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has asked for more time to negotiate his mandatory WBO title defence against Joseph Parker because of an injury, promoter Frank Warren has revealed.
The Ukrainian's team submitted a letter yesterday requesting an extension period before being required to defend his championship, Warren told Sky Sports.
"His camp have written asking for a period of time before he has to defend the title," Warren said.
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Oleksandr Usyk has asked for his match against Joseph Parker to be delayed
|PA
The 38-year-old champion was recently instructed by the WBO to face Parker, who holds the organisation's interim title and mandatory challenger status.
The development comes after Parker's manager David Higgins had noted a lack of communication from Usyk's representatives.
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Warren explained that Parker faces two possible outcomes from this situation.
"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," the Queensberry promoter stated.
Should the undisputed champion relinquish his WBO belt instead of facing Parker, the 33-year-old New Zealander would likely be promoted to full champion status.
The former world titleholder has been waiting for his opportunity after stepping aside in July to allow Usyk's four-belt unification bout with Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Parker last competed in February, stopping Martin Bakole in two rounds after the latter replaced an unwell Dubois on 48 hours' notice.
Saturday's heavyweight clash between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte has gained additional importance following these developments.
Warren highlighted that the victor would secure the WBO's top ranking position. "If Moses or Dillian win, they're in the No 1 spot," he explained.
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Joseph Parker was present during Oleksandr Usyk's resounding victory over Daniel Dubois last month
|PA
This positioning would make the winner the leading candidate to challenge Parker should the New Zealander be elevated to full champion status.
"If the fight with Usyk and Parker doesn't happen, then Joe will have to fight the official No 1 contender," Warren added.
The promoter indicated the WBO would release an official statement regarding the situation within the next day or two.
Usyk's injury setback follows his fifth-round knockout victory over Dubois in July, where he reclaimed undisputed heavyweight status after previously surrendering the IBF belt.
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Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed champion again after his crushing victory over Daniel Dubois | ReutersThe Ukrainian had initially achieved undisputed recognition by outpointing Tyson Fury in May 2024, then repeated the feat in their December rematch whilst holding three belts.
Parker's mandatory position emerged after he was prevented from challenging for the IBF title in February when then-champion Dubois withdrew through illness.
The Kiwi's impressive two-round demolition of replacement opponent Bakole strengthened his credentials as the leading contender for Usyk's crowns.
Warren emphasised that Saturday's domestic showdown remains the immediate priority whilst awaiting the WBO's formal response to Usyk's extension request.