The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to begin negotiations over a mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker. Parker, who has been on a sensational run of fights,

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to start negotiations for a title defense against Joseph Parker amid reported talks between the Ukrainian and Daniel Dubois for a fight to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

The WBO has mandated heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) to take on interim titleholder Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) next. Both fighters have 30 days to negotiate a deal before a purse bid is initiated by the sanctioning body.