Joseph Parker’s manager, David Higgins, insists Oleksandr Usyk has not engaged in any discussion over a WBO mandatory defence.
On July 24, Usyk was ordered by the WBO to defend his undisputed heavyweight crown against interim champion Parker.
Both parties have been given 30 days to agree upon terms before the WBO proceeds with a purse bid.
Usyk unified the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles last month by knocking out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
But he could be stripped of the latter if he chooses not to make a defence against Parker.
The Kiwi’s manager Higgins believes this could be a real possibility as Usyk is still yet to get in contact with the relevant parties over a week after the issuance of the WBO’s letter.
Providing an update on Usyk vs Parker to Sky Sports, Higgins said: “Last time I spoke to Frank Warren [who promotes Parker in the UK], there had been no engagement.
“That is what I was told, a couple of days ago.
“It’s boxing, anything can happen. You don’t rule anything in or out, really.
“But I think Usyk would have engaged by now in a discussion or a negotiation if he wanted to retain and defend his undisputed heavyweight world titles.”
If Usyk opts to go another route, then Parker will likely be elevated to full WBO world champion again.
The 33-year-old held the red and gold strap between 2016 and 2018 before he was eventually dethroned by Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.
Here’s how their stats compareIf this does prove to be the case, then the winner of Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte on August 16 could act as Parker’s first defence.
Itauma is currently the next highest-ranked heavyweight by the WBO.
The major sanctioning body places him at No.1 in their ratings – a position he climbed to in May after flattening Mike Balogun.
Parker remains hopeful that he will get an opportunity to fight for all four world titles against Usyk.
But in his heart of hearts, there is clearly a feeling that he will be overlooked.
Parker told talkSPORT.com last month: “He [Usyk] seemed a bit resistant when he was questioned after the fight [about facing me].
“He named a few names, but I was last on that list. He mentioned Tyson [Fury], [Derek] Chisora, and Anthony Joshua before me.”
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