WBO orders Usyk medical update as back injury questions linger

The World Boxing Organization has ordered undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to submit an updated medical prognosis after a social media video showing him dancing and playing soccer prompted questions about a previously reported back injury, leaving a flurry of contingency plans for top heavyweights and accelerating talks for a separate title curtain-raiser. The WBO asked Usyk to produce a "detailed and thorough" medical update certifying his present condition, prognosis and estimated recovery timeline, warning that failure to comply could leave the committee "with no alternative but to take appropriate action."

Usyk had earlier requested an extension to negotiations with WBO interim champion Joseph Parker on the grounds of back problems, and his team supplied medical reports that reportedly recommended rest and physiotherapy. But footage circulated online of the 38-year-old appearing energetic at a public event, and Parker's camp has questioned the optics. Usyk's camp, through director Sergey Lapin, defended the champion, saying those close to the sport understand the demands of preparation and that decisions are made "for results," while acknowledging that only...