AN undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is set for more delay with the Ukrainian ordered to face a new mandatory challenger.
The WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champ, 35, defended his belts against Anthony Joshua in August.
But he has gone over a year as champion without entertaining any mandatory challengers.
However, Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn, who works alongside Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk to televise the Ukrainian’s fights, has confirmed the IBF have ordered Filip Hrgovic as Usyk’s next mandatory challenger for the belt.
Hearn tweeted: “Just received written order from IBF for Champion @usykaa to face mandatory challenger @Filip_Hrgovic NEXT..let’s go! @SauerlandBros.”
A fan quipped “Have a day off Ed” in which Hearn responded: “You know that’s not my style.”
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WBC top dog Fury had hoped to face either Usyk or Anthony Joshua.
However, neither mega fight materialised and the Gypsy King will instead take on Derek Chisora in a December 3 trilogy.
Hearn, however, is backing Fury to beat Usyk should the pair eventually meet.
Hearn said to IntuBoxing: “I got criticism on that because I said I don’t think it’s a great fight… but I think it’s a compelling fight.
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“You’ve got two very awkward, tricky customers.
“For a hardcore boxing fan I think it would be fascinating, but they wouldn’t just start knocking lumps out of each other.”
Hearn continued: “I probably give the edge to Tyson Fury because of his size.
“I just feel like I’ve always overlooked him in fights, like [Wladimir] Klitschko, [Deontay] Wilder, so I should give him the respect that he deserves. But I do think Usyk is very tough to beat.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
