Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion, has made it clear that he only plans to step into the ring for two more fights before retiring. Among the possible opponents for his farewell bout, Joseph Parker, the current WBO interim heavyweight titleholder, has been frequently mentioned. However, recent developments suggest that this highly anticipated clash might occur sooner than originally planned. With scheduling complications and mandatory title defenses looming, Usyk’s farewell tour may kick off with Parker instead of concluding with him.

Usyk, now 38 years old, is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of his generation. Having unified the cruiserweight division before conquering the heavyweight scene, he stands as a rare two-division undisputed champion. But even with such a storied career, the Ukrainian southpaw has his sights set on just two more wars inside the ring—raising stakes for fans, promoters, and title challengers alike.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Retirement Plan and Parker’s Rise

Usyk has announced his intention to fight only twice more before hanging up the gloves. Initially, insiders speculated that his final match could be a legacy clash against Joseph Parker, who is riding an impressive six-fight winning streak and currently holds the WBO interim heavyweight belt. Parker, a rejuvenated former world champion, has made a strong case for another shot at full championship glory.

But the dynamics have shifted. The bout between Usyk and Daniel Dubois, intended to be a blockbuster undisputed heavyweight title unification, has hit a scheduling wall. The IBF has mandated Dubois to defend his own belt against Derek Chisora, and unless this requirement is bypassed, it’s unlikely that a unification clash can happen within Usyk’s planned timeline.

This predicament opens the door for Joseph Parker to become Usyk’s next opponent, potentially much earlier than the originally rumored retirement bout. If the IBF proceeds with Dubois vs Chisora, Usyk may have to fulfill his mandatory WBO defense against Parker—or risk being stripped of his WBO belt.

The WBO had previously granted Usyk an exemption to delay his title defense in favor of fighting Tyson Fury last year. That leniency was conditional and likely won’t be granted again unless he commits to another high-profile unification match. Thus, unless a deal with Dubois materializes quickly, Usyk might have to face Parker next to retain his WBO belt.

WBO Pressure Forces Usyk to Decide: Parker or Dubois First

Currently, Usyk holds the WBA, WBO, and WBC heavyweight titles, along with the prestigious The Ring Magazine championship. The WBO organization has made it clear that the 38-year-old must fulfill his obligation to fight Joseph Parker, or vacate the belt. This puts Usyk in a tough spot.

His promoter, Alex Krassyuk, recently stated that the team is still exploring options but admitted it’s difficult to predict which fight will come next. “If the undisputed unification can be made, that’s our first choice,” Krassyuk said in an interview with Sky Sports. “But right now, we simply don’t know if it will be Dubois or Parker.”

The WBO has a reputation for being strict with mandatory defenses, and unless Usyk is granted a rare second exemption, it may be forced to strip him if he doesn’t face Parker. This situation adds another layer of urgency to any negotiations happening behind closed doors. Usyk, who has never dodged a mandatory opponent, may choose to face Parker in order to honor the sport’s expectations—setting up a thrilling fight between two of the division’s most respected boxers.

Joseph Parker is not just a placeholder name; he is in the best form of his career. With six straight wins and a revitalized training approach, he’s become a legitimate threat to any of the reigning champions. Parker has expressed enthusiasm about the potential matchup and has been quietly preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Dubois vs Chisora: The Complication in Usyk’s Path

Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois is entangled in a mandatory defense of his own. The IBF has instructed Dubois to face Derek Chisora, with a date for official confirmation set for April 22. If that bout goes forward as expected on June 21, it becomes almost impossible to organize an Usyk vs Dubois fight by July or August, which were the tentative months being considered.

This bottleneck pushes Usyk toward a different path—one that leads directly to Parker. From a timing and regulatory standpoint, it makes the most sense. If the WBO does not grant another delay, Usyk would be left with no choice but to face the Kiwi fighter. And if Parker wins, the WBO belt changes hands, fundamentally shifting the power structure of the heavyweight division.

Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Dubois, hasn’t given up hope of making a unification bout happen, but he acknowledges the mounting complications. “There are obvious, compelling reasons to make Dubois vs Usyk II happen. Four belts on the line, a different level of Dubois, and unresolved controversy from their first bout—it all makes sense,” Warren stated.

Indeed, the first Usyk vs Dubois fight ended amid dispute, with Dubois claiming he was wrongly denied a knockout after landing a body shot that was ruled a low blow. A rematch would not only settle the score but also offer Usyk a chance to retire as a two-time undisputed champion—an unprecedented feat in modern boxing history.

Legacy on the Line: Usyk Faces a Historic Decision

For Oleksandr Usyk, every choice now has a legacy-defining consequence. Whether he fights Parker next or waits for Dubois, each bout presents a vastly different narrative for the final chapter of his career. Facing Parker would allow Usyk to stay active, keep his belts, and potentially close his career on his terms—especially if Dubois remains tangled in IBF obligations.

On the other hand, holding out for a second clash with Daniel Dubois provides a chance to eliminate any doubts from their first meeting and stake his claim as the indisputable king of heavyweight boxing. But this route is also fraught with risk: delays, political wrangling among sanctioning bodies, and even potential injuries.

Adding to the complexity is Usyk’s age. At 38, he’s entering the twilight of his career. Time is no longer a luxury, and inactivity could erode the sharpness that has defined his success. Taking a high-level fight against Parker soon may be the wiser choice over waiting for a potentially uncertain showdown with Dubois.

Krassyuk emphasized that no final decision has been made and that the next few days will be crucial. “We’re evaluating everything. The mandatory requirements, the legacy fights, the timelines—it’s all on the table,” he noted.

image_67fdcb7259f9c The farewell boxing match of Oleksandr Usyk with Joseph Parker will… take place first?

What’s Next for Usyk, Parker, and Dubois?

With all eyes on the April 22 announcement regarding Dubois vs Chisora, the boxing world is holding its breath. If that fight is greenlit, it all but seals Parker as Usyk’s next opponent. Given the WBO’s demands and Parker’s form, the fight could be officially announced shortly after.

From a competitive standpoint, Usyk vs Parker is far from a placeholder fight. It pits a legendary technician against a powerful, resurgent contender. Parker’s aggressive style and recent momentum make him a serious threat. For Usyk, it’s not just about defending his belts but proving that even at 38, he remains untouchable.

Dubois, for his part, must navigate a tough outing against Chisora and hope that the door to Usyk remains open down the line. If both men win their respective bouts, a massive unification rematch could still headline later in the year—possibly Usyk’s farewell in front of a global audience.

Final Thoughts

The roadmap for Oleksandr Usyk’s final two fights is still being paved, but one thing is certain: each move carries enormous weight. The potential early bout with Joseph Parker may not have been part of the original plan, but it now appears to be the most realistic next step. With regulatory pressures mounting and Dubois occupied, Usyk might defend his WBO title sooner than expected—perhaps in one of the final fights of a remarkable career.

For boxing fans, this scenario offers compelling narratives no matter which path Usyk chooses. Whether it’s a rugged battle with Parker or a dramatic rematch with Dubois, every moment will be steeped in legacy, pride, and the raw beauty of elite heavyweight boxing.

If this indeed is the beginning of the end for Usyk, he’s determined to make every second count—and the world will be watching.