ANTHONY JOSHUA’S undisputed title clash against Tyson Fury has a major obstacle to overcome in the form of Oleksandr Usyk.
And it could lead to Joshua vacating the WBO heavyweight belt in order to get the Fury deal done.
Oleksandr Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua’s beltCredit: Mark Robinson
Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger, and according to his promoter the Ukrainian has ‘not given his consent’ for the two Brits to fight for all the belts.
This is despite SunSport recently reporting that Usyk himself said he would consider stepping aside to allow the ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.
And Usyk fighting next in a non-title bout has ‘never been under discussion’, according to Alexander Krassyuk.
The promoter told Sky Sports: “According to now the deadline is more for Fury and AJ not for Usyk.
“There were talks about an interim title or the AJ vs Fury winner relinquishing the WBO title the next day [after they fight].
“But as for today Usyk is the WBO mandatory and never gave his consent for the [Joshua vs Fury] bout to happen without him.
“Usyk is in good conditions now, he successfully recovered from his last fight and looks forward to fight challenge the title this spring.
“A non-title fight has never been under discussion and I really hope it will never be.”
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Tyson Fury has predicted an easy night’s work against JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Joshua holds all the heavyweight belts except the WBC versionCredit: PA:Press Association
In only his second fight at heavyweight after being crowned undisputed cruiser champ, Usyk outpointed Brit bruiser Derek Chisora on October 31.
But he is now out of contract with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable ‘unless he is delivered the Joshua fight’.
But AJ seems to be focusing on one man and one man only – Fury.
The WBA, IBF and WBO king uploaded a picture on Snapchat, which revealed him dissecting the Gypsy King’s win over Wilder.
That night last February earned Fury the WBC belt, the only crown missing for Joshua’s collection.
With the two agreeing a 50/50 split, they are on the verge of fighting for all four of the heavyweight marbles for the first time in history.
But, Wilder, 35, still believes he is contracted to a trilogy bout with Fury, and has launched a legal case to salvage his shot at revenge.
Watch Anthony Joshua shout ‘I’m coming Usyk’ as footage emerges of heavyweight rivals’ exchange after Chisora fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
