OLEKSANDR USYK wants to fight Deontay Wilder next – NOT Tyson Fury.
WBC champion Fury had been targeting a mouthwatering undisputed bout with the Ukrainian early next year after his December showdown with Anthony Joshua.
But Usyk has turned his attention elsewhere after learning of Fury and AJ’s epic meeting.
The IBF, WBA, WBO and Ring heavyweight champ now has Wilder in his sights and slammed Fury for denying fans of a fight for the ages.
Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas claimed the Ukrainian had been keen to fight Fury next until he arranged his Battle of Britain with Joshua instead.
That dust-up includes a rematch clause, meaning a meeting between Fury and Usyk could be some time away.
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Usyk though is eager to get back on the canvas, and told The Ring that he had already picked out his next opponent in Wilder.
Through manager Klimas, Usyk said: “I’m not p***** off at all (about being bypassed by Fury for Joshua). The bigger problem is Tyson Fury is not letting fans see one of the best historical bouts in boxing history.
“That’s his fault. Not mine. So, I’m not p***** off at all. Tyson Fury can fight whoever he wants to fight.
“From the standpoint of sportsmanship, of course it’s not correct.”
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Then when asked who he wanted to fight next, Usyk himself responded: “Deontay Wilder.”
Usyk went on to say: “Wilder is a dangerous fighter, and that fight would most likely be in the United States.”
The former cruiserweight confirmed he is likely to be ringside when Wilder returns to action on October 8 against Robert Helenius in New York.
The Bronze Bomber has not fought since being knocked out in his trilogy fight with the Gypsy King last October.
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Usyk’s manager Klimas labelled Fury as “afraid” of the Ukrainian, and his potential two fights with AJ delays the prospect for an undisputed bout.
He said: “What happens when Joshua beats his ass? What will happen next?
“They will go to a rematch, which will push back the chance to have an undisputed world champion.
“I think Fury is most likely afraid of Usyk. Why does he run away from Usyk? Why? Because Fury sees danger in Usyk.
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“Usyk wanted to fight Fury by the end of the year. You know what, we’re not running after him. We have three belts. He has one belt.
“Who cares? It’s a situation Fury created. Not Usyk. Usyk would fight Tyson Fury in his backyard. Usyk would fight anyone in their backyard.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
