Saudi Companies Show Lack of Interest in Organizing Unification Bout Between Usyk and Parker
In Saudi Arabia, clear signals have emerged indicating that the leading local sports and organizational entities are not interested in hosting the anticipated fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown between Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk and interim WBO champion Joseph Parker. Companies Riyadh Season and Sela, which have previously staged several major boxing events in the country—including two bouts featuring Usyk against Tyson Fury—currently do not express willingness to organize this fight. According to reports from Ring Magazine journalists, there are no official agreements or confirmations regarding the match at this time, although the World Boxing Organization (WBO) has sanctioned it. It is important to note that if Usyk declines to participate, the WBO belt will become vacant, and the Ukrainian boxer will lose his status as the undisputed champion. Currently, he retains his belts from WBA, IBF, and WBC. Moreover, it is worth highlighting that Riyadh Season and Sela have extensive experience organizing high-profile boxing nights in Saudi Arabia. These included spectacular events with two fights involving Usyk against Tyson Fury. The 33-year-old Joseph Parker, with 36 wins (24 by KO) and only three losses, is known for recent notable victories over former American champion Deontay Wilder and Chinese contender Zhang Zhilei. Former promoter of Usyk also expressed his opinion on the Ukrainian’s career after the Dychko victory, advising him to consider ending his high-level boxing pursuits. Earlier, it was reported that Parker, in a unique gesture, challenged the winner of the Usyk-Dychko rematch with a song, indicating his desire to fight the victor.