Following yesterday’s announcement that an interim title would be on the line for Joe Joyce against Joe Parker, boxing journalist Dan Rafael took to Twitter to call it a ‘terrible ruling.’
As Boxing Social reported, the belt could move things along in theory, although various other factors at play in a stacked division mean it may end up causing more complications.
Rafael, who has worked at USA Today and ESPN in the past, was blunt in his take on the situation, calling the introduction of the interim title ‘absurd.’
“Terrible ruling and one I wholly disagree with. There should not be a WBO interim title sanctioned. The WBO champion Usyk JUST fought last week and is trying to plan his next fight with Fury and there is no mandatory overdue. Absurd ruling.”
Luckily, the WBO President happened to be online at the time and caught wind of the analysis. Paco Valcárcel responded, saying that the decision was fair for all involved.
“Dan you make no reference about the proactive steps taken by the WBO to allow the Usyk/Fury Unification. You are the first to support the Undisputed bouts taking place. If a Usyk/Fury rematch is warranted should we prevent it? What happens in the meantime ..justice for all..”
Dan you make no reference about the proactive steps taken by the WBO to allow the Usyk/Fury Unification. You are the first to support the Undisputed bouts taking place. If a Usyk/Fury rematch is warranted should we prevent it? What happens in the meantime ..justice for all..
— Paco Valcárcel, Esq. (@PacoValcarcel) August 31, 2022
In our report, we highlighted the idea of an undisputed rematch clause – something that has not been announced but could be put in place for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. If that does happen to be the case, and the belts are tied up for two fights, Valcárcel seems to think that an interim title will allow the division to keep moving.
Rafael responded, unconvinced.
“Of course I want to see [un]disputed. Doesn’t mean there has to be an unnecessary interim title fight.”
The back and forth marks the first indication that the undisputed fight and what it means for the heavyweight division may not be as simple as fans thought it might or should be. There’s an argument too that its significance might be undermined by the sheer volume of regular, super and interim belts in boxing.
Joyce and Parker face off for the WBO Interim Title on September 24 in Manchester. Should Parker win, there is a rematch clause for Joyce. As for undisputed, a date for Usyk and Fury hasn’t been announced, but all reports suggest we’re getting closer.