Oleksandr Usyk has formally requested an extension from the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to delay negotiations for his mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker.

The reason behind this request is an injury that Usyk has recently sustained, which has temporarily stalled the planned negotiations for the fight.

Following Usyk’s stoppage victory over Daniel Dubois in July, attention quickly shifted to his next challenger. Joseph Parker, the WBO interim heavyweight champion, has emerged as the consensus mandatory challenger to Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight titles.

The WBO had ordered Usyk to negotiate with Parker for a title defense, but Usyk’s injury has led his team to seek more time before any commitments are made.

Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Usyk, disclosed the situation to Sky Sports on Thursday. Warren revealed that Usyk’s camp had submitted a formal letter to the WBO asking for an extension period due to the injury before proceeding with any mandatory fight arrangements.

The injury and extension request have effectively paused the contractual process that would set the terms and date of the highly anticipated bout.

Warren also discussed the possibility of Usyk vacating the WBO title if the negotiation delay prolongs, noting that if this occurs, Joseph Parker would then be elevated to the full WBO champion status. Parker, 33, remains poised to fight either for the title against Usyk or as the champion against the next top contender.

Warren hinted that upcoming bouts involving other top heavyweight contenders could influence Parker’s next opponent if the Usyk fight falls through.

Usyk is a two-time heavyweight undisputed champion. Although he had wanted to take a break from fighting for a while, following his recent victory over Dubois, the WBO’s order will have to see him defend one of his titles or vacate it to possibly fight the champion soon.

The WBO is reportedly set to issue an official statement soon regarding Usyk’s extension request and the status of the Parker negotiations.