Oleksandr Usyk is fresh off a second defence of his unified heavyweight titles, and wants to restart talks with Tyson Fury to crown an undisputed champion.
The Ukrainian got up from the canvas after a controversially ruled low blow to continue his masterclass over Daniel Dubois. The 25-year-old challenger was dropped in the eighth and ninth, failing to make the count the second time around.
Despite the debate about the low blow raging on and Dubois’ team looking to appeal the result, Usyk retains and moves ahead.
Whilst the door may not be fully opened for Fury and Usyk to face off – see Filip Hrgovic and his mandatory order from the IBF – fans, fighters and the promotional teams involved are back to talking about it.
One man who has weighed in on how it might play out is Michael Hunter, an opponent of Usyk’s at cruiserweight. The 2017 unanimous decision loss is Hunter’s sole pro defeat, and he is currently campaigning alongside the Ukrainian in the heavyweight ranks.
With the experience of facing him as well as the fresh perspective of a recent performance, the American is backing Usyk to beat Fury should the pair ever meet in the ring.
— Michael Hunter ll (@MichaelHunterII) August 27, 2023
Whilst Saudi Arabia and its boxing arm are very keen to stage the contest early next year, Team Hrgovic want a fight this December, which would likely push the undisputed bout back even further if Usyk holds onto his belts.
In the meantime, Fury has MMA star Francis Ngannou to deal with in a crossover bout that very few believe holds any jeopardy whatsover.