Dillian Whyte has suffered another blow as the World Boxing Organization has confirmed Oleksandr Usyk as their mandatory challenger.
Despite the Londoner being number one for some time now, the WBO accepted a request for Usyk to be put forward for the title.
Usyk was undisputed cruiserweight champion before recently moving up. This was looked upon favorably by WBO chiefs.
It’s disappointing for Whyte, who has also been top-rated with the WBC for 600 days plus. So far, two mandatories (Bermane Stiverne and Dominic Breazeale) have been ordered ahead of him.
Whyte rejected fights with Luis Ortiz, Kubrat Pulev and Anthony Joshua, all of which were either final eliminators or shots at the world crown.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is pushing hard to get Whyte his chance, which looks off the cards until well into 2020.
Current WBC and WBO champions Deontay Wilder and Mexican Andy Ruiz are both tied up with rematches.
The present ruling is issued upon a petition filed on Monday, June 3rd 2019, by Mr. John Hornewer,Esq., on behalf of former Undisputed WBO, WBA, WBC & IBF Jr. Heavyweight Champion of the World Mr. Oleksandr Usyk, and Team Usyk, whereby official designation as Mandatory Challenger in the WBO World Heavyweight Division is requested,” said the WBO.
The WBO World Championship Committee having reviewed the foregoing request, considered petitioner’s distinguished amateur record. Also his professional accomplishments including, having fulfilled a historic achievement by unifying all four major Jr. Heavyweight Championship Titles from the recognized sanctioning organizations (WBO, WBA, WBC & IBF).
Winning the World Boxing Super Series Tournament Muhammad Ali Trophy, and having been acknowledged by the World Boxing Organization as a WBO Super Champion.
Usyk is entitled to certain rights and privileges pursuant to the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, and therefore, in light of the aforementioned, and in accordance with our governing rules and regulations, their applicability, and enforcement. Having been fully advised in the premises, it is hereby determined as follows:
SUPER CHAMPION
(1) The boxer presently or previously has or had a multiple bout contract with a major television network or other similar broadcast company for multiple years; and,
(2) As a WBO Champion.
(A) The boxer has successfully defended his title cumulatively a minimum
of ten (10) title bouts.
(B) In the event of less than ten (10) successful defenses has defended his
title against opponents of high recognition and high skills; and,
(C) “Has substantially met the other standards set forth herein.”
(3) “The boxer’s amateur history will be considered; and,”
(4) The quality of prospective Super Champion’s record including the quality of his
opponents and their records will be considered.
(5) Additionally, the following factors will be considered in determining Super
Champion designation.
(A) If the prospective Super Champions has been a WBO World Champion
in more than one (1) weight division; or
(B) “If the Prospective Super Champion has held more than one (1)
Championship of the four major world sanctioning organizations; or”
(C) “If the prospective Super Champion has unified the Championships of more than one (1) of the four (4) major world sanctioning bodies.”
WBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE RESOLUTION
WBO Championship Committee Resolution Designating WBO Super Champion Oleksandr Usyk as Mandatory Challenger – WBO Heavyweight Division.
Furthermore, Usyk is expected to be put forward to face the winner of Andy Ruiz Jr. v Anthony Joshua II (WBA, IBF, IBO, WBO) once an agreement has been reached with the IBF.
Meanwhile, the WBA currently have a situation to deal with due to Trevor Bryan, Mahmoud Charr and Fres Oquendo all laying claims in a confusing plot.
Whilst the IBF’s stipulated challenger, Kubrat Pulev, wants his shot as soon as possible.
