Oleksandr Usyk sparks controversy as WBO orders medical proof following viral dance video with Joseph Parker fight on hold

Following a video that showed Oleksandr Usyk dancing on stage in Ukraine, the world heavyweight champion has been asked to provide a new medical report. The video, shot earlier this week at a public event, showed the 38-year-old spinning, hopping, and waving his arms next to Ukrainian pop singer Nadia Dorofeeva.

The video caused alarm since Usyk had only asked for additional time to heal from a back injury before defending his title against Joseph Parker.

Oleksandr Usyk video sparks action from WBO officials

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) reacted quickly after the video was widely shared online by streaming platform DAZN with the caption: “A career after boxing beckons, for undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk.” In response, WBO Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista Salas sent a letter to Usyk’s team demanding “detailed and thorough” clarification of the boxer’s health.

“The committee cannot allow further delay or uncertainty without satisfactory clarification,” Salas wrote, adding that the new report must include the fighter’s present condition, recovery timeline, and medical evidence. The WBO has given Oleksandr Usyk until Monday to comply, warning that failure could lead to disciplinary action under its rules.

Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley waiting as Oleksandr Usyk’s future remains unclear

The situation comes after Usyk had already asked the WBO in early August for a 90-day suspension of negotiations for his mandatory fight against Joseph Parker.

At that time, his camp submitted medical papers recommending complete rest and physiotherapy. The WBO accepted the request, but the latest video has cast doubt over those claims.Also Read: Tony Ferguson Beats Salt Papi By Third-Round TKO In Thrilling Debut At Misfits Boxing 22 Ending His 8 Fight SkidOleksandr Usyk, who holds a perfect record of 24 wins and no defeats with 15 knockouts, was instructed on July 29 to start talks with New Zealand’s Parker, the former WBO champion who now has 36 wins and 3 losses. Instead, Oleksandr Usyk told officials he was treating back issues that came after a grueling run of three world title fights in just over a year, including his famous 2024 rematch with Tyson Fury.Now, with Oleksandr Usyk’s fitness in question, Parker is exploring other options. Reports in Britain suggest that undefeated heavyweight Fabio Wardley (19-0-1) is the frontrunner to fight Parker later this year if the Usyk bout does not go ahead.The WBO’s demand has turned what looked like a simple medical delay into a bigger issue. The clip of Oleksandr Usyk dancing in Ukraine may have been light-hearted, but it has forced boxing’s top officials to insist on clear proof of his condition before any championship decisions are made.