Artur Beterbiev has kept the door open to a sensational clash with Oleksandr Usyk, providing the Ukrainian was willing to meet him at cruiserweight.
The pair met on several occasions in the unpaid ranks, most recently in the quarter finals of the 2012 Olympic Games, where Usyk managed to outpoint the hard hitting Russian.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Beterbiev admitted a fight with former amateur rival Usyk would be of interest, however emphasised he was focused on the goings on in his natural weight class of light heavyweight.
“No problem. If you organise. He’s successful. He did a good job [with his career]. He’s a good fighter and he did a good job. I’m not really interested [in his career]. I’m not following Usyk or someone else.
“I could move up, it’s interesting but another champion is good too. I try to be ready for everything. If it comes, we will try to do it.”
Beterbiev took his professional record to a sensational 19 wins, zero defeats and 19 knockouts after he stopped Britain’s Anthony Yarde in the eighth round at the OVO Arena in London.
Although talk of a fantasy fight with Usyk has no doubt pricked the ears of boxing fans across the world, an undisputed clash at 175lbs with countryman Dmitry Bivol still remains the desired route for ‘King Artur’ to take next.
A fight between Beterbiev and Bivol is widely considered one of the best to be made in the sport, however there are significant broadcasting and promotional barriers that would need to be overcome.
The UK audience could be graced by Beterbiev’s presence sooner rather than later, as he looks set to defend his WBC, IBF and WBO belts against mandatory challenger Callum Smith in the summer.