Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KO’s) may once again be excluded from a world title shot as The Ring reports that heavyweight (200+ lbs) champions Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KO’s) and Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KO’s) are once again in discussions for a rematch. The two fighters’ teams had been in talks earlier this year but negotiations came to a halt after the WBO ordered Usyk and Joseph Parker to face each other.

Parker, 33, is currently in possession of the WBO interim belt, a title he has held since last year, but has thus far proved unable to compete in a world title fight. While he was supposed to face IBF champion Daniel Dubois in February, Dubois withdrew from the bout due to illness.

Usyk is currently in possession of the WBA, WBC and WBO title but might not be able to hold onto his WBO title if a rematch with Dubois ensues, which would be an undisputed fight. As his obligations were to meet with Parker, it is a possibility the WBO could decide to strip Usyk but not altogether likely given sanctioning bodies grant exceptions for unification and undisputed bouts.

According to The Ring, while no deal has yet been finalized, Usyk and Dubois’ teams appear to be close to concluding negotiations to set up another bout between the two. The last bout between the two fighters occurred in 2023 and saw controversy ensue as Dubois knocked Usyk down with a disputed low blow. Usyk ended up stopping Dubois in the 9th round,