Frank believes that Oleksandr Usyk has several options for how events will develop
Frank Warren. Photo – Getty Images
Frank Warren , promoter of IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs), spoke about the options for the next fight for WBC, IBO, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs).
“Mr. Usyk has three titles. The WBO has ordered him to defend the title against Joseph Parker, who is the interim champion. He either does that or he vacates the title, or under their rules he can have a unification fight against Daniel Dubois, who will have four titles on the line. It will be his choice, and he has to make his choice very quickly. And depending on that choice, everything else will fall into place. We have plans A and B. All the fighters will fight in the summer.”
“Our preference is four titles. I’ve said that before, and I’m not changing my mind. And the reason I said that is because I think Dubois vs. Usyk tonight is going to be a great fight. The first fight was very controversial, with the low blow and the four-minute wait. We’re going to sell out either way. That’s not going to stop Joseph Parker from getting his shot, because he’s the mandatory challenger. And then what happens? He’s going to fight whoever wins. He’s going to fight for four titles instead of one or three. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.”
“Why is Dubois in a better position to beat Oleksandr Usyk now? I think it's the experience of the Usyk fight. I think he's changed a lot mentally since that fight, and look at the streak he's on. He's been fighting at the highest level. In 15 months, the quality and the quantity of fights he's had — undefeated fighters, two two-time world champions. And in those four fights, he's won three times by knockout. And the punch that dropped Usyk wasn't a low blow. It is what it is.”
Read also: Warren: Hopefully we can announce Usyk-Dubois rematch soon
On February 22, the 38-year-old Ukrainian attended a boxing event in Riyadh, where he personally watched the victory of interim WBO champion Joseph Parker over Martin Bakole. After the fight, Usyk confirmed his desire to have his next fight against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois and become the absolute champion again. This fight could tentatively take place in July-August 2025.
At the same time, the WBO has officially determined that Usyk will defend his championship belt. The Ukrainian's opponent should be Parker. The New Zealander has already challenged Alexander to a fight in his traditional style.
Read also: Parker's trainer: The main thing for us is the fight with Usyk. If not, then we will fight for the vacant title
Earlier, the parties were given 30 days to negotiate – if the deal is not agreed upon, the WBO will hold a promoter bid for the event. If Alexander refuses the mandatory defense, the organization reserves the right to strip Alexander of the championship belt and make it vacant.
The Ukrainian champion is considering options on how not to lose the WBO belt. The first option is a fee for Parker: the New Zealander agrees to give up his turn and goes into “waiting mode”, and only then fights the winner of the confrontation between Alexander and Daniel. However, there is another outcome: Usyk's team writes an official request to the WBO to postpone the fight.