OLEKSANDR USYK has called out Deontay Wilder but only after he “gets rid” of Tyson Fury first.
Wilder, who turned 37 on Saturday, said he is ready to fight Usyk next, after dispatching Robert Helenius in brutal fashion in New York.
And the 35-year-old Ukrainian is already looking beyond Fury, setting his sights on Wilder.
The heavyweight champ sent a message to his rival on his birthday, via an interview with ESNEWS.
Usyk said: “After I get rid of Tyson Fury, then we’re gonna talk to Deontay Wilder. I will train hard.”
He has called out the American before and warned that he could gatecrash the massive comeback bout with Helenius.
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But the unified champ was a no-show, as Wilder questioned who on earth would want to fight him after leaving his opponent out cold.
He said: “Who’s next? I’ve been hearing rumours about Usyk and he isn’t even in the building, or is he?
“You know most the time when guys say they want me and come to a show of mine and see a devastating knockout that they turn the corner on me, I’ve had many.”
The Bronze Bomber was geared up to face Ruiz, 33, for the mandatory challenger spot.
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The two are both signed to Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions stable, making negotiations for the showdown that much easier.
But Fury, 34, and Usyk WILL “without a doubt” fight next year in a historic undisputed title decider.
Never in the heavyweight division have all four world titles been contested for.
But that is set to change in the early part of 2023 as the pair set up for a huge bout.
Fury wanted to fight Usyk next after the Ukrainian beat Anthony Joshua, 32, on points for the second time.
The Englishman lost on a split decision, before going on a bizarre rant post-fight in the ring.
It left Usyk baffled – especially when AJ threw his belts out of the ring – but the heavyweight remained respectful.
The boxing hero ruled himself out of fighting Fury until next year, having returned to his war-torn home for the first time after a period training away.
So Fury made the shock decision to call out AJ and talks for the pair to fight in Cardiff on December 3 followed.
However, a deal could not be agreed and Derek Chisora, 38, is now the unlikely alternative to challenge for the WBC title.
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That is despite twice losing to Fury in one-sided fashion, in 2011 and 2014.
Meanwhile, former WBC champ Wilder has released a music video for his debut single.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
