The World Boxing Organization (WBO) on Saturday ordered Anthony Joshua to defend his heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk after the Briton’s bout with domestic rival Tyson Fury was thrown into doubt.
Joshua, who also holds the IBF and WBA titles, was set to face Fury – who holds the WBC belt – on Aug. 14 in Saudi Arabia. But Fury was ordered by an American arbitrator on Monday to fight Deontay Wilder for a third time before Sept. 15.
The WBO said it had sent a letter to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn on Wednesday to “show cause” within 48 hours why the WBO should not order a fight with Usyk, asking for confirmation of the Joshua-Fury bout.
Hearn asked…
Keep on reading: WBO orders Joshua to defend heavyweight title against Usyk