Former undisputed cruiserweight ruler Oleksandr Usyk fully plans to enforce his WBO mandatory position to face unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua as soon as possible.
Joshua is first due to defend his titles against IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev, with December 12 touted as a potential date.
An all-Brit mega-fight with Tyson Fury remains high on the priority list of Joshua should he retain his titles, though Usyk may disrupt any plans for all belts to be on the line if he beats Derek Chisora.
“Usyk has been the WBO mandatory challenger for more than one year,” promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports. “He has agreed to let AJ versus Pulev happen, with regards that the winner fights him next. This statement is still solid.
“Our plan is A) beat Derek Chisora B) push AJ to comply with WBO rules or vacate the title C) defeat AJ (or any other WBO champion or contender and become the heavyweight champion. Simple and practical.
“According to our latest talks with Eddie, Usyk-Chisora has to go at the end of October. Still, much depends on COVID-19 restrictions but we all want to make it happen.”