Frank Warren has confirmed who will be next to face Oleksandr Usyk after his dominant victory over Daniel Dubois saw the Ukrainian become undisputed heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian dropped the Briton in the fifth round to secure the titles, and cement himself at the top of the boxing world.
There had been speculation that Usyk would vacate his titles to set up a third fight with Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury, but Warren has rubbished those claims.
Warren, 73, confirmed that the winner of Saturday’s fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley will go on to face Usyk, as he said: “At the moment in heavyweight division, it's the best fight out there.
Frank Warren confirmed the winner of Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley will go onto face Oleksandr Usyk
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“These two guys have stepped up. Neither of them needed to, neither of them needed to make this fight. You know Joe Parker. He's the interim champion.
“The WBO already ordered that Usyk has to defend his belt against him. But he's injured. Joe could have sat around and waited but he said no. He said he wanted to fight anyway.
“From Fabio, again, he's in a fantastic position, and he only had to wait his time, and he would have got a crack at the title. He also said no, I want to fight as well. And not only that, I want to fight Joe Parker.”
Under the governing body, the WBO is next in line to call a mandatory defence of the titles.
The order was originally issued to Usyk back in July, but has been pushed back due to the back injuries suffered by the Ukrainian.
Usyk is expected to return to the ring in the first half of 2026, and the winner of the bout on Saturday will have the chance to cause a major upset.
Oleksandr Usyk is set to make his return to the ring in the first half of 2026
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Warren continued: “These guys are well trained. They've not left anything, no stone unturned. They're in their best condition. You're going to get something special on the night.
“And the prize is there for the winner. The winner gets the fight, Mr Usyk. They will get to fight for the WBO belt and all other three belts.
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“Mr Usyk has said that he will take on the winner of Parker vs Wardley. He has said that he will take that fight next year. So, that's the prize they are fighting for. It's all or nothing for the winner.”
Parker’s manager, David Higgins, added: “I have to admit, a little bit cynical about Usyk's motivation for what is next. But, I was involved in a couple of phone calls that were quite encouraging this week.
Jospeh Parker and Fabio Wardley will take to the ring on Saturday at The 02
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“Those phone calls suggested to me that Usyk absolutely does value the unified position and will honour it.
“Now I'm increasingly confident in the winner of this fight [Parker vs Wardley] will get a shot for the undisputed title which makes this a very exciting eliminator situation.”