The Unified Heavyweight World Champion from Ukraine apparently has his diary planned out for the next two fights – and he’s as confident as ever of victory.
Following his second consecutive win over Anthony Joshua to retain to The WBA, IBF, WBO, and Ring titles, Oleksandr Usyk said he wanted to face one man and one man alone – Tyson Fury. Fury holds the WBC belt, and the matchup between the pair would crown the first undisputed heavyweight champ since the great Lennox Lewis.
The fight looked like it would be made next, however Fury – who last fought in April – wanted December, and team Usyk said that it was too soon. Now, ‘The Gypsy King’ has a fight against Derek Chisora to close out the year. It leaves Usyk with a gap that many thought he might fill with another top heavyweight in Deontay Wilder.
Speaking to ES News, the Ukrainian has confirmed that whilst Wilder is in his plans, he wants undisputed first.
“After I get rid of Tyson Fury, then we’re gonna talk to Wilder.”
It’s no wonder he wants Fury next – Usyk’s career has been all about legacy. In just 15 fights, he became undisputed in the cruiserweight division. He’s looking to do the same up a weight in his 21st, and Fury is the man to beat. Should the British champ come through his old rival, Chisora, on December 3, the Ukraine vs UK fight should be made in early 2023.
As for Wilder, it’s a fight that holds perhaps the most intriguing style clash in the sport. Usyk’s elite skill versus ‘The Bronze Bomber’s devastating power is something fans would undoubtedly turn up to see. The American heavyweight – who lost the WBC belt to Fury – has set off on his comeback trail with a win over Robert Helenius.
The first round knockout means he will now most likely face Andy Ruiz Jr in a final eliminator for his old belt, and, if Usyk has his way, could be in line for a shot at all four titles not long after.