Usyk Injured, Forced To Cancel April 23 Clash With Stephen Simmons

By Elliot Foster

Stephen Simmons has had the biggest opportunity of his career snatched away from him.

The Scottish cruiserweight (14-1, 6 KOs) had been set to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the WBO Inter-Continental title in Ukraine. But ‘Simbo’, 31, is now awaiting another fight date after it was revealed that Usyk (9-0, 9KOs) - currently the WBO’s mandatory challenger to world champion Krzysztof Glowacki - had picked up an injury and was forced to cancel their upcoming clash. 

The two were due to collide on April 23 at the Sport Palace in Kiev, but news of the cancellation were revealed via social media.

“[I’m] gutted to announce,” Simmons began, “that due to Usyk picking up an injury in training, our scheduled fight is off on April 23.

“Thanks for the support.”

Further news regarding the ring return of ‘Monster’, following this disappointment, will emerge in due course.

Elliot Foster is part of the BoxingScene.com UK news team. Twitter: @FreelanceFoz