Oleksandr Usyk’s next opponent ‘officially ordered’ after Daniel Dubois win and Turki Alalshikh has already reacted

Oleksandr Usyk’s next opponent for his heavyweight crown has been ‘officially ordered’ but the news could anger Turki Alalshikh.

Oleksandr Usyk became the first male boxer to become an undisputed champion on three occasions with a dominant victory over Daniel Dubois last week.

Usyk knocked out his British rival in the fifth round to become undisputed for the third time in his career.

It was the second time he has unified the heavyweight titles, having also won all of the cruiserweight belts in 2018.

‘Ivan is a big guy who lives in a village!’ – Usyk on his Dubois KO punch

Now the Ukrainian will turn his attention to his next challenger but boxing fans around the world are still unsure about who that will be.

Tyson Fury revealed that he would return to the ring ahead of the clash between Usyk and Dubois, while some fans have been calling for Anthony Joshua to get another opportunity at the heavyweight crown.

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates after beating Daniel Dubois to win the WBC title. (Image: Getty)

However, the WBO now appears to have made Usyk’s decision for him.

The organisation have releasted a statement declaring that New Zealand’s Joseph Parker is now a mandatory challenger for the 38-year-old’s WBO crown.

“The WBO has officially ordered negotiations for the mandatory heavyweight title bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker,” they posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“Both parties have 30 days to reach an agreement, or the WBO will proceed to a purse bid.

“Let the countdown begin.”

Parker and Usyk have never gone head-to-head in a professional bout, and it would be a mouthwatering encounter between two of the heavyweight division’s finest.

The WBO’s statement is sure to leave one fan disappointed, though.

Turki Alalshikh has other ideas for Oleksandr Usyk’s next fight. (Image: Getty)

Saudi Arabian promoter Turki Alalshikh has played a significant role in bringing some of the sport’s biggest fights to the region in recent years.

Alalshikh had already made his view clear on social media, stating that he would like to see Usyk face up-and-coming fighter Moses Itauma.

The 20-year-old has a 12-0 professional record and dispatched Mike Balogun via TKO in his last bout.

“I want to see Usyk against Itauma,” Alalshikh posted on X.

“This is the fight.”

The prodigious young fighter was also voted The Ring’s 2024 Prospect Of The Year and looks set to enjoy a spectacular career in the years to come.

Since the WBO’s statement emerged, reports from The Ring claim that Turki, in conjunction with Riyadh Season, has no interest in a Usyk vs Parker match-up.