Undisputed champion to be investigated by WBO after controversial social media post

Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to be investigated by the WBO after a video on social media showed the Ukrainian dancing despite claims of a back injury. 

Usyk has not fought since knocking out Daniel Dubois in July to become a two-time undisputed champion at heavyweight, and in the immediate aftermath of his win, Joseph Parker was set to be the next man to challenge the pound-for-pound star as a result of being the mandatory challenger for the WBO title. 

However, despite being ordered on July 24 to begin negotiations with Parker and a 30 day deadline to complete them, Usyk's team reported that the two-weight undisputed champion was undergoing medical examinations on previous injuries on August 7.

Two days later, the WBO were given medical reports on Usyk citing a back injury which would keep him out of action for one month before a further month of therapy. 

As reported by Boxing Scene's Lance Pugmire, the WBO was set to grant Usyk and his team a 90-day suspension to negotiations with Parker, but then came a video on social media showing Usyk dancing at a concert earlier this week.

This video raised eyebrows with Usyk showing very little signs of a serious back injury and this prompted the WBO Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas to send the following letter to Usyk's team ordering a medical re-examination. 

“The medical update must be detailed and thorough, and must certify to the WBO Mr. Usyk’s present medical condition, prognosis, estimated recovery timeline and any other supporting medical evidence deemed relevant," Salas wrote in a letter reviewed by Boxing Scene.

“The committee cannot allow further delay or uncertainty without satisfactory clarification. Failure to comply with this request will leave the committee with no alternative but to take appropriate action in accordance with the rules and regulations of the WBO.

“These actions place the championship committee in a difficult place, as the arguments raised in the petition supported by the supplied medical documents can now be questioned in light of these new developments.

“The visuals appear to contradict the medical recommendations … and the representations made by Team Usyk … requesting suspension of the negotiation period for the mandatory bout.”

For Parker, this continues what has been a frustrating year or so. 

Following wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole, a world title shot is at least what Parker deserves after working himself into a mandatory position.

But with Usyk and his team frequently delaying negotiations, Parker needs to keep active whilst waiting for his shot at glory, and the New Zealander has recently been linked with a fight against WBA interim heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley in October. 

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