OLEKSANDR USYK is ready to become undisputed heavyweight champion – after he did the same at cruiserweight.
And the Ukrainian is champing at the bit to fight both Anthony Joshua AND Tyson Fury to put a stop to British heavyweight dominance.
Oleksandr Usyk is ready to crash the heavyweight division and end British dominanceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Joshua holds the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titles after exacting his revenge against Andy Ruiz Jr back in their December rematch.
And of course Tyson Fury completed his own boxing fairytale return when he battered previously unbeaten Deontay Wilder in their rematch last month to bag the WBC strap.
Usyk will have his first real test at the new weight when he fights wily veteran Derek Chisora at London’s 02 on May 23.
This date could of course change depending on how the coronavirus pandemic progresses.
WANTS ALL THE BELTS
But the 33-year-old is already setting his sights on bigger things, while not overlooking the challenge Chisora will pose.
Asked whether he aims to become undisputed heavyweight champ, Usyk, with a wry smile, told Sky Sports: “I work hard on it”.
When asked who he would rather fight out of Fury and Joshua, Usyk replied: “both”.
He is the WBA’s mandatory challenger for Joshua, but has to wait his turn as IBF mandatory Kubrat Pulev gets his shot at the Brit first.
Meanwhile Fury has the small matter of completing his trilogy against Wilder in July before thoughts turn to where next for the Gypsy King.
CHISORA UP NEXT
Of course the most mouthwatering prospect is a Battle of Britain between Fury and Joshua for all the belts – providing they defend them successfully next up.
But Usyk is hoping to crash that heavyweight party and snatch all the belts – but first he must deal with Chisora.
The man known as “War”, 36, hasn’t stepped in the ring since his fourth-round stoppage of David Price in October.
But former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk, 33, will be determined to prove he has what it takes at heavyweight.
The Ukrainian southpaw easily beat Chazz Witherspoon on his division debut – meaning he has now won all 17 of his career fights.
It will be Usyk’s second fight in England during his career, having beaten Tony Bellew in Manchester in 2018.
The victory ensured he defended all four of his cruiserweight titles.
Chisora, meanwhile, has a career record of 31-9.
Derek Chisora will fight Oleksandr Usyk on May 23 at the O2 Arena
Anthony Joshua holds four heavyweight beltsCredit: Reuters
Tyson Fury shocked Deontay Wilder to win the WBC titleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Oleksandr Usyk show off incredible training technique as P4P star juggles on balance board ahead of Chisora fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
