OLEKSANDR USYK wants to fight Anthony Joshua in the UK rather than contest a big money-spinning bout in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua’s WBO mandatory challenger loves the British fans and described the people as ‘really nice’.
Oleksandr Usyk wants to fight Anthony Joshua in BritainCredit: Mark Robinson
Joshua’s victorious rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr took place in Saudi Arabia in 2019Credit: PA:Press Association
Although the Ukrainian, 33, is prepared to ‘put up a show wherever’ he would prefer to concede home advantage to heavyweight champ AJ rather than jet off to the Saudi desert – where Joshua reclaimed his belts against Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
Usyk told SunSport: “As for me I don’t care where the fight takes place, I will put up a show wherever.
“However, I think Britain would be really cool because they are really great fans and really nice people.”
Usyk is the man potentially standing in the way of a mega two-fight deal worth £500million being agreed between Joshua and Tyson Fury.
AJ’s Matchroom stablemate hinted that he may step aside to allow the ‘once in a lifetime’ unification bout to go ahead.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said a deal for the Gypsy King to take on AJ in May or June 2021 is ‘verbally agreed’.
But Hearn has warned the pair will take a huge 80 per cent cut to their purse if the fight is held in the UK without fans amid the coronavirus pandemic.
After unifying the cruiserweight division before outpointing Dereck Chisora in his second heavyweight contest in November, Usyk is lining up his next opponent.
And despite admitting he is chasing the AJ fight, Usyk also called out former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport, he added: “There are a lot of guys who I would like to fight and would be happy to fight, like Deontay Wilder.”
The Bronze Bomber was sensationally dethroned by Fury in February and has since made outlandish claims trying to undermine the result, even suggesting his water was SPIKED.
But Usyk believes the Morecambe slugger got the job done fair and square.
He said: “I wouldn’t want to comment on his allegations but I do think the defeat was fair.
“Tyson Fury was the better boxer at the time.”
Oleksandr Usyk was speaking after launching the WePlay Ultimate Fighting League in partnership with WePlay Esports.
Usyk namechecked former WBC heavyweight champ Deontay WilderCredit: WePlay Esports
Watch Anthony Joshua shout ‘I’m coming Usyk’ as footage emerges of heavyweight rivals’ exchange after Chisora fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
