Oleksandr Usyk's dancing video prompts WBO to order updated medical exam

Following the emergence this week of a social media video showing undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk dancing and playing soccer, the WBO on Friday ordered him to submit an updated medical prognosis. Usyk previously requested a delay to negotiations with mandatory challenger Joseph Parker over back issues.

The WBO wants the Usyk re-examinination to be performed by Monday.

In a letter reviewed by BoxingScene, WBO Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas wrote to Usyk attorney John Hornewer that, “The medical update must be detailed and thorough, and must certify to the WBO Mr. Usyk’s present medical condition, prognosis, estimated recovery timeline and any other supporting medical evidence deemed relevant.

“The committee cannot allow further delay or uncertainty without satisfactory clarification. Failure to comply with this request will leave the committee with no alternative but to take appropriate action in accordance with the rules and regulations of the WBO.”

In a video posted on Instagram two days ago, Usyk is shown dancing, hopping, waving his arms and spinning as a singer performs, with DAZN’s account writing, “A career after boxing beckons, for undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk,” followed by a disco ball emoji.

Usyk, 24-0 (15 KOs), was ordered on July 24 to start negotiations with mandatory challenger and former champion Parker, 36-3 (24 KOs), with 30 days to reach terms. Usyk on August 7 reported undergoing “medical examinations due to prior injuries.”

In that communication, Usyk’s team noted the 38-year-old world champion from Ukraine had made three rugged title defenses – including the 2024 fight of the year versus Tyson Fury – since May 2024, while Usyk has also been affected by the ongoing war between his country and Russia.

On August 9, the WBO received what was described as “certified medical reports” on Usyk from Spain revealing back injuries that required one month without physical activity and one month of therapy until the symptoms were in “complete regression.”

Usyk’s team requested a 90-day suspension of negotiating time, which the WBO was “poised to honor,” according to an individual familiar with the situation but unauthorized to speak publicly on the matter. 

Usyk’s prior medical report recommended “suspension from sports activities, rest and physiotherapy for pain relief and recovery,” according to the WBO letter.

Usyk’s dancing and soccer playing caught the attention of Parker’s team, and an individual close to the situation surmised, “From the optics standpoint, what the hell’s this?”

The committee awaits the new exam.

“These actions place the championship committee in a difficult place, as the arguments raised in the petition supported by the supplied medical documents can now be questioned in light of these new developments,” Salas wrote to Hornewer. “The visuals appear to contradict the medical recommendations … and the representations made by Team Usyk … requesting suspension of the negotiation period for the mandatory bout.”

In the meantime, Parker has moved toward taking a voluntary fight before the end of the year, with English heavyweight Fabio Wardley, 19-0-1 (18 KOs), considered the frontrunner to land that bout.