Usyk vs. Dubois II? Petition Filed for Undisputed Heavyweight Unification Forward of Parker Obligatory

Daniel Dubois could possibly be handed a second shot at Oleksandr Usyk — and at heavyweight historical past — because the WBO confirmed it has acquired a proper petition to sanction an undisputed championship unification between the 2 males. This transfer, if authorised, would delay Usyk’s obligatory title protection in opposition to Joseph Parker.

WBO Confirms Petition, Parker’s Standing in Limbo

Chatting with Sky Sports activities, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri acknowledged the state of affairs:

“There’s a petition earlier than the Championship Committee to contemplate a Usyk-Dubois unification to consolidate the heavyweight championships.”

“Upon an official ruling concerning this matter, we are going to publicly announce the choice, together with Parker’s obligatory standing, if that be the case.”

Beneath WBO guidelines, a title unification takes precedence over a compulsory problem — that means that if the committee grants the request, Dubois vs. Usyk II would come subsequent, whereas Parker waits.

Backstory: Controversial Ending Fuels Dubois’ Revenge Bid

Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) final met Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) in August 2023, when a disputed fifth-round physique shot — dominated a low blow — gave Usyk restoration time earlier than stopping Dubois within the ninth.

Dubois has persistently maintained the punch was “on the belt line”, not under it, and believes the decision value him the combat and a world title.

Since then:

• Usyk went on to unify all 4 main belts by defeating Tyson Fury.

• He later vacated the IBF belt, permitting Dubois to develop into champion as the following in line.

• Usyk is now positioned to probably develop into a three-time, two-weight undisputed champion if he wins once more.

Parker’s Path Blocked Once more?

Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) has rebuilt his profession with seven straight wins, together with dominant victories over Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder. Because the WBO obligatory challenger, Parker had been in pole place for a shot at Usyk — however this petition may as soon as once more sideline the previous WBO champ.

Ought to the unification go forward, Parker could also be: