JOSEPH PARKER is on the brink of losing his WBO interim heavyweight title just ONE SECOND into his match against Daniel Dubois.
Parker secured the trinket belt by defeating Zhilei Zhang in March.
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Nevertheless, he is set to compete for Dubois’ IBF world title on February 22 in Saudi Arabia.
By pursuing a title from a different sanctioning body, Parker will immediately relinquish his WBO championship with the ringing of the opening bell.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri announced on social media: “The WBO Interim Heavyweight Champion, Joseph Parker, truly embodies the spirit of the sport.
“He is a consummate professional, a gentleman, and a champion both in and out of the ring. Parker has represented the WBO with immense honor and respect.
“In line with WBO regulations concerning the unification of interim titles, we have mutually agreed that Joseph Parker will enter the ring as champion, and he will be recognized as such.
“However, once the first bell sounds, the title will be deemed vacant.
“We are genuinely thankful to Joseph Parker for his commitment to the sport and wish him continued success in his career.
“Best of luck against Dubois. The WBO will always welcome you back.”
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Parker, 32, previously held the WBO title after defeating Andy Ruiz Jr., 35, by majority decision in 2016.
However, he lost it two years later to Anthony Joshua, 35.
Most recently, Joshua faced a knockout loss against Dubois, 27, in September and chose not to pursue an immediate rematch.
As a result, Parker is now in a position to challenge for the title.
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