Oleksandr Usyk could become mandatory to Anthony Joshua if he moves up to heavyweight.
The undisputed cruiserweight world champion, who also holds the Ring Magazine belt in the division, will return to the ring sooner rather than later.
Usyk, who is co-promoted by K2 and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Sport and managed by Egis Klimas, hasn’t boxed since last November’s eighth-round knockout win over Tony Bellew at the Manchester Arena, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office.
But his return is said to have been booked and further details will be made public in due course.
However, the 32-year-old could be immediately installed as the next challenger for Joshua, the WBO, IBF, WBA Super and IBO titlist.
Joshua has yet to nail down his next defence, despite Wembley Stadium being on hold for April 13.
Dillian Whyte, the WBO’s number one challenger, has been in discussions over a rematch with the 2012 Olympic champion.
Jarrell Miller, the undefeated American, is also reportedly in the running to face ‘AJ’, potentially at Madison Square Garden in New York in June.
The aforementioned Hearn reiterated the WBO’s rules in a recent interview with Sky Sports.
He said: “Under the WBO rules, Usyk, once he steps up – if he steps up – should become that automatic mandatory. I was with the WBO in Puerto Rico.
“Dillian is number one, but that won’t be called for another month or so and it’s not due until September or October.
“But Dillian is in the running to be that mandatory, but if you turn down a shot at the world heavyweight title, these don’t come around very often.”
It has yet to be seen whether the WBO, WBC, WBA Super, IBF, IBO and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion Usyk is going to move to the sport’s premier division.
And while Hearn looks after the UK interests of the former amateur star, he is urging Whyte to take the opportunity on the table to take on Joshua.
“I want to make sure that deal is good enough for him to accept, but I also want him to take it, because this is it.” he added. “This is the world heavyweight championship.
“You’ve got a chance to fight for it, in your own country, to become the king of the division.”
Article by: Elliot Foster