Usyk, Itauma, Dubois: Who could Joseph Parker face for the WBO heavyweight title?

The heavyweight division is undisputed once again, as Oleksandr Usyk reigns supreme with all four major belts to his name following July's fifth-round victory over Daniel Dubois.

Since then, the Ukrainian has been ordered to mount a defence of his WBO crown against interim title holder Joseph Parker, with the New Zealander bidding for a second reign.

But according to the latter's team, Usyk is yet to engage constructively on a defence of his crown, with many assuming he could elect to vacate one strap to keep his options open.

That leaves a plethora of contenders in the mix to face Parker, who would likely be elevated to the top spot for a fight before the year is out - but who are the options to face him?

DAZN

DAZN News profiles several of the key stars who could find their way in front of the Auckland fighter as he bids to reach the summit of the sport's premier glamour division again.

Oleksandr Usyk

Sometimes, the simple answer is the best one. Two-time undisputed champion Usyk has been ordered to face Parker - and accepting the WBO's command would suit the latter.

Among the leading heavyweights of the current generation, the New Zealander is, bar perhaps Deontay Wilder, the only true top operator the Ukrainian has not faced in the ring.

(Leigh Dawney/Queensberry)

Parker has made no secret of his preference to square off with the veteran, who could fly to Auckland's Eden Park for a historic bout if he chose - but sadly, it seems off the table.

Usyk seems reluctant to entertain the idea when he reportedly has just one fight left - and a trilogy with either Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would prove more of a draw to him.

Moses Itauma

If Usyk passes on the dance, then Parker is likely to be elevated from interim belt holder to full champion - and that could pave the way for the WBO's #1 contender to step up too.

Itauma may only be twenty years old, but his showreel of superlative knockout performances rank among the best in recent years, taking him towards the top of the rankings.

He faces Dillian Whyte in Riyadh this weekend, in what is the toughest test of his career so far on paper, but another victory in such imperious fashion will further his title case.

By current metrics, Itauma would be the logical contender to meet Parker in a title clash - and it would promise to be one that could reshape the future of the division too.

Daniel Dubois

If there's one thing boxing loves, then it is unfinished business - and should Parker be elevated, then who better to face him than the man he was meant to challenge in February?

The landscape of the heavyweight division could look very different if Dubois had not pulled out of his IBF title bout with illness againt the New Zealander and lost in Saudi Arabia.

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

Instead, he proceeded straight to Usyk, lost and now must consider his future - and you'd imagine his team would jump at a chance to challenge for a world title again so soon.

For Parker, the shoe would be on the other foot - he would be the title holder rather than the challenger - but it would be hard for him to turn down the chance to settle the score.

Derek Chisora

The promise of a historic fiftieth and final bout continues to loom for 'Del Boy', who became the IBF mandatory challenger earlier this year after he defeated Otto Wallin in February.

Hopes of facing Dubois were iced by his decision to face Usyk, and the likelihood of one more dream world title shot appeared to have escaped him with Usyk's triumph instead.

But with a top-ten ranking on the WBO, there would be nothing to stop Parker from pursuing a fight with Chisora should he be elevated to the full title, for an intriguing matchup.

The pair would complete a trilogy that began in 2021 with two wins for the New Zealander - and both men would surely appreciate a final dance together with major stakes in play.

Anthony Joshua

This is more of a long shot, perhaps, but with history between them, could the lure of a second title rematch prove too difficult for both men to turn down before the year is out?

Joshua hasn't fought since 2024 and appears on course for a crossover bout with Jake Paul as his comeback fight, as rumours persist he will eventually face the retired Fury.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

But the chance to become a three-time heavyweight champion could prove a major incentive instead for the Briton, who fell short against Dubois in September last year.

Parker would be keen for revenge after Joshua ended his original reign as champion too the best part of a decade ago - but would it truly be the right fight for both men to take?

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