WBO Order Joshua To Face Usyk In The ‘Battle Of Mandatories’ Or Forfeit Belt

Anthony Joshua has officially been ordered by the World Boxing Organisation to defend his WBO title against mandatory challenger Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk.

The British Nigerian boxer won Andy Ruiz Jr in a rematch on December 7 after sweeping the scorecard with a unanimous 118-110, 118-110, 110-109 verdict to reclaim the World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) belts he lost to the Mexican in New York in June.

Following Joshua’s win in Saudi Arabia, the WBO president, Francisco Varcarcel has stated that Joshua must take on Ukranian Usyk in the ‘battle of mandatories’ within 180 days of his win. 

According to a statement: “The WBO World Championship Committee hereby orders the parties herein to commence negotiations for the above-mentioned WBO heavyweight mandatory championship contest..

“Please be advised that the parties have 30 days upon receipt of this letter to reach an agreement. 

“If an accord is not reached within the time frame set forth herein, a purse bid will be ordered pursuant with the WBO regulations of world championship contests.”

That means that Joshua will now have to face the prospect of defending his WBO title before June 4th. 

If he does not agree to meet the Ukrainian former cruiserweight king before January 10, he will be forced to vacate his belt, dealing a setback to his hopes of adding the WBC crown.  

 If Joshua does vacate his belt, Usyk could face either Dereck Chisora or Joseph Parker for the strap, which would divide the belts further across the division.

Recall Joshua had declared interest in a third deciding bout between himself and Ruiz shortly after becoming a two-time World Heavyweight Champion in Riyadh.

“If you heard – we’re gonna do a third,’ Joshua said in an interview after the match.” he said

Reacting to the matter, Ruiz said, “I don’t want to give excuses. If we do the third I’ll be in the best shape of my life.

“I thought I was going to come on stronger but next fight I’ll get prepared and look at my team.” He added.