Oleksandr Usyk’s future as the undisputed heavyweight champion continues to hang in the balance, with all four sanctioning bodies circling their mandatories.
The pound-for-pound king has a three-way backlog of defenses to make, with the WBO, WBA, and WBC all having waited a significant amount of time to move forward.
Usyk’s obligations show no signs of concluding anytime soon, with the WBO showing considerable lenience when it comes to enforcement.
World Boxing News examines the current standings of each organization and provides an overview of the current situation.
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WBO
The most pressing order comes from the WBO, who have Joseph Parker as their number one contender, interim champion, and mandatory challenger.
However, Team Usyk has officially requested an extension to delay that obligation, with President Gustavo Olivieri informing WBN that a ruling will come this week. If the Committee grants the exception, Usyk would avoid losing his belt, and Parker would have to wait.
The move could also allow a wild card, such as teenage phenom Moses Itauma, to come into play for Usyk’s next defense. The WBO has also made it clear there is no possible scenario for the title to become vacant at this stage, despite speculation from WBN that the WBO could strip the champion.
WBA
On the WBA side, things are equally congested. Kubrat Pulev holds the regular title, while Fabio Wardley carries the interim strap and Michael Hunter the ‘gold’ belt.
In theory, the WBA should mirror the decision if the WBO grants an exception, meaning Usyk would be allowed to retain all four belts. However, after two Tyson Fury clashes and a three-time undisputed triumph against Daniel Dubois, the wait for Pulev, Wardley, and fellow contender Agit Kabayel shows no sign of easing.
Pulev vs Hunter is locked in a battle despite Don King ordering an October 4 date. Pulev’s side wants out of the order after Hunter tried to face Jarrell Miller instead. Ultimately, Hunter lost both bouts, and it’s unclear if the American can save either.
Wardley, meanwhile, is set to face Parker on October 25, but the WBO’s decision not to strip Usyk could have a knock-on effect for the WBA version.
WBC
The WBC, meanwhile, has its own order to enforce with the ever-patient Kabayel. His mandatory obligations are still pending following Tyson Fury’s back-to-back defeats to Usyk.
A ruling for Kabayel cannot occur until the WBA resolves its mess, although President Gilberto Mendoza has taken no concrete action yet, adding to the uncertainty.
IBF
Lastly, the IBF remains in limbo with no clear number one contender. Veteran Derek Chisora sits at number two, with the top spot vacant. Until the Organization promotes someone into the pole position, there is no active mandatory hanging over Usyk from the IBF.
WBN conclusion
The picture shows a division gridlocked at the top, with all four sanctioning bodies waiting on decisions that affect one another.
By filing to keep his undisputed status rather than vacating, Usyk has effectively ruled out retirement and signaled his desire to continue as champion.
But until the WBO rules this week, Parker, Pulev, Wardley, Kabayel, and Chisora are left biding their time.
