This is extremely bad PR on part of Usyk and his team. I think based on the video, the WBO will strip Usyk of the title and the comments made by Warren about Usyk not fighting again this year are probably true. Maybe Usyk wants to lose the WBO belt in the hope of fighting the holder in 2026 for yet one more unification heavyweight. Other than that it makes no sense at all for him to avoid Parker.
Not gonna lie, Usyk’s PR team taking an L here – dancing while claiming a wrist injury is asking for memes. But let’s keep it real - the guy’s been fighting top dogs back-to-back, he’s earned a breather. Usyk doesn’t fear anyone at heavyweight - man outboxed AJ twice and schooled Fury. He’s one of the few guys who actually plays it straight in this sport, unlike a certain Gypsy King we all know...
That said, a WBO mando is a mando, sooner or later he’s gotta either sign the contract or cough up the belt. Parker’s been looking sharp lately, earned his shot, and that fight would be a proper scrap.