Usyk Sees Heavyweight Move in Future, Wants More Belts First
WBO World Champion Aleksandr Usyk has revealed his intentions to move up to heavyweight, but only after conquering at cruiserweight.
Speaking at a pre-fight press conference to promote his upcoming defence against Michael Hunter, Usyk confirmed: “Yes of course I have plans [to go to heavyweight] but there’s plenty of good champions at cruiserweight, I need the three other titles first!
“It’s very important for me to have all the titles, there are other guys saying ‘I am a champion’ but when you have all four belts there is no question who is the champion of the division,” he added.
Usyk makes the second defence of his crown against unbeaten American Michael Hunter on the Lomachenko v Sosa undercard live on BoxNation, Saturday 8th April.
The 11-0 southpaw explained why Hunter isn’t the most pressing matter on his mind: “I’ve seen everything that is available on the internet and I’ve seen one bout live at the Olympic Games. But I don’t really think about him.
“He’s a good fighter - unbeaten - so he’s pretty good but I have something else on my mind like how my daughter is getting on at school!”
Usyk’s personality is starting to shine through as the Ukrainian is improving his English at a steady rate. That being said the 2012 Olympic Gold medallist spoke in his native language at the press conference, chirping in with comments here and there which the waiting media appreciated.
“There are some changes to my training team, we can’t make too many changes in such a short time but they are improving me. I can’t tell you what they are as my opponent will find out!” joked Usyk, who has recently changed trainers from James Ali Bashir to Anatoly Lomachenko, father to Vasyl.
K2’s Tom Loeffler believes the show will be a huge success: “We’re really excited about this opportunity for Aleksandr. When you have this type of show alongside Lomachenko, it’s a tremendous exhibition of talent. The fans are in for a treat.
“It’s an extremely deep division. Huck is fighting this weekend and with the right matchups, Alesksandr can emerge as the next superstar,” stated Loeffler.
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