Alexander Krassyuk, who is co-promoter of Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk (17-0-0, 13 KOs), said his client is the next online boxer to fight the WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (23-1-0, 21 KOs).
Usyk is the mandatory WBO challenger. He automatically obtained this status when he made the jump to the heavyweights, after he had united all the world titles in the heavyweight division.
“Usyk’s mandatory WBO title fight was to take place before the AJ vs. duel Pulev. But we were flexible. We didn’t put a lot of pressure, and so we made the choice to let AJ carry out his mandatory defense of the IBF against Pulev while Usyk faces Chisora.” Krassyuk said.
“This decision was made so that the WBO champion whether AJ or Pulev is forced to defend his title against Usyk. This means Joshua will have to fight Usyk first, or that AJ will fight Fury without having the WBO belt.” Krussyuk added.
Joshua is mandated to make a compulsory defense of his IBF title against the Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev (28-1-0, 14 KOs) this year at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, England.
Usyk was to face the British heavyweight contender, Dereck Chisora, but their fight was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nothing has been said about whether the fight will currently be suspended so far. But lately there has been a lot of talk about a fight between Joshua and WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in what would be a two-fight series in 2021.
Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) will first have to complete his trilogy with the American boxer Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs); a bout which will take place before the end of the current year.
If Joshua and Fury each won their fight, an important step would be taken so that there could be a confrontation between the two, the next year. There are, however, other obstacles which both parties will have to overcome.
Dillian Whyte (27-1-0, 18 KOs) is the mandatory WBC title challenger and is expected to fight for the WBC world title in February. The Brit recently took legal action against the WBC to ensure that his title fight will go ahead.
Fury promoter Frank Warren and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum plan to chat with the WBC to fend off Whyte’s championship bout. They believe the WBC ordinance should be changed due to the pandemic that has put the entire sport on hold for several months.
