Joseph Parker will defend the WBO heavyweight title or at least his momentary version, against the winner of the clash this weekend between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte.

The star of Novel Zealand stands on the verge of height to the full status of the master if Oleksandr Usyk leaves the belt due to mandatory duties. However, the situation remains in the air.

Usyk submitted a request from WBO for a medical exception to maintain an intact title.

Despite the formalities of Team Uyk, World Boxing News understands that WBO will be ahead with the plans of the next defense of Parker, and Ituma or Whyte are another claimant.

Even if Usyk can keep the title for the next few months, Parker will face Itaum or Whyte, and whoever has the title at that time will reign as a full ruler.

This is a similar situation when Usyk gave Daniel Dubois the IBF belt, which could happen again before Parker faces Itauma or Whyte.

Title path

Regardless of what happens, WBN fully expects Parker to be a two -time heavyweight champion before he fights again.

The final ruling will depend on whether the exception of Usyk will be awarded, but the Parker camp is already looking at Itauma or Whyte, not a branch to avoid long inactivity.

At the moment, Ituma is a scorching favorite to beat Whyte and throwing the ball to Parker’s fight, perhaps in Riyadh in December this year. British, born in Slovakia, 20 years senior, is quickly followed in the direction of world distinctions after a number of dominant victories since he became a professional in 2023.

Whyte, a former WBC momentary champion, strives to revive a career after recent failures in and outside the ring. The winner in Saudi Arabia this Saturday is to get a golden ticket for the Parker belt, whether full or momentary.

Frank Warren weighs

Speaking of the situation, Frank Warren said Sky Sports News: “He (Usyk) posted a letter yesterday with information that he asked him for a period of extension because he was wounded before he was ordered to do something.

“Whatever happens, the fact of life is that Joseph Parker will either fight as a master if Usyk leaves or fights Usyk for the title.

“If Moses or Dillian win, they are in the first place, and if the fight against Usyk and Parker does not happen, Joe (Parker) will have to fight the official number one claimant.”

In a further return, if Usyk’s request is rejected, the winner of Ituma versus Whyte would become a full duty of WBO Parker as a recent master. If it is awarded, Parker will defend the momentary crown instead, and the potential struggle of the Utyk was moved to 2026.

Either way, another fight for the heavyweight title WBO runs through Joseph Parker, and all future roads do not necessarily lead to Utyt.

About the author

Phil Jay is an experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How The editor -in -chief of World Boxing News since 2010Jay has An interview with dozens of world champions was conducted AND Ring reported On the largest boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] And find out more about his work in combat sports journalism.