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.

‘Don’t push the horses’ – Oleksandr Usyk’s team releases statement on Ukrainian’s future after injury setback

Oleksandr Usyk won’t be rushing back to the ring.

The Ukrainian slickster was recently ordered by the WBO to defend his undisputed heavyweight crown against interim champion Joseph Parker.

As of July 27, both sides have been given 30 days to agree upon terms before the fight goes to a purse bid.

However, Usyk has requested an extension to those negotiations in order for him to recover from a niggling injury.

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Now, Usyk’s team director, Sergey Lapin, has provided a lengthy statement to Ready to Fight, outlining their stance on the Ukrainian’s next steps.

“Throughout his entire professional career, both Oleksandr Usyk and our whole team have proven that we respect all potential opponents as well as the rules that govern professional boxing,” said Lapin.

“Over the past year and a half, Usyk has accomplished a historic achievement by becoming the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion twice.

“That demanded tremendous physical and mental effort, and great sacrifice.

“The champion has earned the chance to let his body recover from the effects of a punishing training regime and from injuries that are often invisible to the outside world.

“And, ultimately, simply to rest and spend time with his family.

“Most importantly: he has earned the right to choose his own future – and to take the time he needs to make that decision.

“So, guys, don’t push the horses.”

What happens if Oleksandr Usyk refuses to fight Joseph Parker?

If Usyk chooses to fight somebody else rather than Parker, then he will be forced to vacate his WBO belt.

The Kiwi would then be upgraded from interim to full world champion.

His first defence would likely be against Moses Itauma, who is currently ranked No.1 by the major sanctioning body.

In the immediate aftermath of Itauma’s first-round knockout victory over Dillian Whyte on Saturday night, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh called for the 20-year-old to face Usyk next.

However, Itauma’s team are keen for their man to get more rounds under his belt before jumping in at the deep end.

Jermaine Franklin, who took Whyte and Anthony Joshua the distance in 2022 and 2023, has been mentioned as a potential next opponent.

Usyk’s Secret Mission: The Champ’s Most Important Fight

Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk once again showed his deep connection to his homeland by visiting wounded members of the Ukrainian National Guard over the weekend.

The four-belt ruler, fresh from his July 19 victory over Daniel Dubois, travelled to one of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ medical centers to meet soldiers recovering from frontline injuries.

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Usyk personally spoke with the service members in an impromptu act, thanking them for their courage and wishing them a swift recovery.

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A Champion’s Mission Beyond the Ring
In a message that resonated far beyond the boxing world, Usyk told them, “What you have done and continue to do is invaluable.

“Each of you is a true hero. I wish you a speedy recovery, because Ukraine needs strong and unbreakable people.”

The three-time undisputed, two-weight champion also drew a powerful connection between sport and the battlefield, underlining the shared foundations of resilience, determination, and patriotism.

“Victories on the battlefield and in sports share a common foundation: strength of spirit, self-confidence, and love for one’s homeland,” he said.

But Usyk’s role goes further than inspiration at the bedside. Highlighting Ukraine’s voice on the international stage, Usyk recently shared time with President Zelenskyy.

The President highlighted the importance of keeping his country’s struggle visible to the broader world.

“Today, we all strive to make Ukraine’s voice strong and influential in the world, so that as many people as possible around the globe know the story of Ukraine’s fight for life.

“This is possible when, on the international stage, the efforts of politicians and diplomats are supported by Ukrainian legends known in every corner of the planet. One of them is our undisputed world champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

“We also addressed the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people and the support and motivation of children who are actively engaged in sports.

“We are working together, for Ukraine, for freedom, for peace.”

Usyk’s Global Influence
The words underline why Usyk has become more than just a champion inside the ropes. As the only man to unify both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions in the four-belt era, his athletic legacy is already assured.

Yet his influence as a national figurehead continues to grow, extending far beyond boxing.

For Usyk, victories in the ring are only part of the fight. The most crucial mission is ensuring the world never forgets the trials, sacrifices, and resilience of the Ukrainian people.