Oleksandr Usyk set to face Anthony Joshua or winner of Daniel Dubois fight with Joe Joyce next as 2021 plans emerge
OLEKSANDR USYK is set to face Anthony Joshua or the winner of tomorrow’s Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce fight next. AJ defends his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev on December 12 and, if successful, has targeted a unification clash with WBC king Tyson Fury. However, he is under obligation to face […]
OLEKSANDR USYK is set to face Anthony Joshua or the winner of tomorrow’s Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce fight next.
AJ defends his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev on December 12 and, if successful, has targeted a unification clash with WBC king Tyson Fury.
However, he is under obligation to face WBO mandatory challenger Usyk.
Fury had his hopes of defending his belt next month scuppered and is still in a wrangle with WBC chiefs over his contracted trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.
That has provided a new issue for the heavyweight division going into 2021 – but Ukrainian Usyk is refusing to remain patient as he chases his shot at Joshua.
His co-promoter Alexander Krassyuk, who works alongside Eddie Hearn, told Sky Sports: “Usyk has gone through eight months of hard work getting prepared for Derek Chisora.
“Now he needs to step back a bit and get some treatment for his body and relaxation for his mind.
“Hopefully he will be ready to return in April 2021, and hopefully AJ will be around to comply with WBO mandatory regulations.
“If not – we will be fighting for the vacant WBO title with a contender appointed by WBO.”
Dubois is ranked at No2 with the WBO, just a spot behind Usyk, as the 22-year-old prepares for his toughest test yet against Joyce.
Krassyuk added: “I wish we could choose the opponent for the vacant title!
“Before thinking of Dubois or anyone else we need to know AJ vs Pulev winner and their strategy for the future.
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“But the thing I can make really clear is that we will be pushing hard to put our mandatory position in effect.”
However, Joyce’s manager Sam Jones says it will be his man taking on Usyk, who beat Derek Chisora on points last month, or AJ if he overcomes Dubois.
Former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk outpointed Chisora last month in his most bruising fight in the heavyweight division so far.
Jones said: “Dubois is sitting pretty at No 2 on the cusp of a world title fight with either Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk depending upon if the belt becomes vacant.
“If Joe beats Dubois, he gets that spot. This is what motivates Joe.
“Joe wants fights against the likes of Joshua, Fury, Usyk.
“It would be an honour to share the ring with Joshua. Two Brits is always a huge fight.
“After this fight, Joe will be in the mix and able to call out any of the top guys. Joe believes he belongs in that company.”
