Usyk Vs. Dubois II? Petition Filed For Undisputed Heavyweight Unification Ahead Of Parker Mandatory

Daniel Dubois could be handed a second shot at Oleksandr Usyk — and at heavyweight history — as the WBO confirmed it has received a formal petition to sanction an undisputed championship unification between the two men. This move, if approved, would delay Usyk’s mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker.

WBO Confirms Petition, Parker’s Status in Limbo

Speaking to Sky Sports, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri acknowledged the situation:

“There is a petition before the Championship Committee to consider a Usyk-Dubois unification to consolidate the heavyweight championships.”

“Upon an official ruling regarding this matter, we will publicly announce the decision, including Parker’s mandatory status, if that be the case.”

Under WBO rules, a title unification takes priority over a mandatory challenge — meaning that if the committee grants the request, Dubois vs. Usyk II would come next, while Parker waits.

Backstory: Controversial Ending Fuels Dubois’ Revenge Bid

Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) last met Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) in August 2023, when a disputed fifth-round body shot — ruled a low blow — gave Usyk recovery time before stopping Dubois in the ninth.

Dubois has consistently maintained the punch was “on the belt line”, not below it, and believes the call cost him the fight and a world title.

Since then:

• Usyk went on to unify all four major belts by defeating Tyson Fury.

• He later vacated the IBF belt, allowing Dubois to become champion as the next in line.

• Usyk is now positioned to potentially become a three-time, two-weight undisputed champion if he wins again.

Parker’s Path Blocked Again?

Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) has rebuilt his career with seven straight wins, including dominant victories over Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder. As the WBO mandatory challenger, Parker had been in pole position for a shot at Usyk — but this petition could once again sideline the former WBO champ.

Should the unification go ahead, Parker may be: