by Tamas Pradarics
Winning the first Muhammad Ali Trophy in the prestigious World Boxing Super Series tournament and thus becoming the first ever undisputed cruiserweight world champion in the four-belt era made Oleksandr Usyk celebrated than ever.
The Ukrainian wunderkind hinted right after his shot-out win over fellow unified champion Murat Gassiev that he would love to take on former cruiserweight belt holder and now heavyweight competitor Tony Bellew next. The latter also showing interest in a bout with the WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO/Ring champion, a matchup that would generate a massive income in ticket sales in the fall in the UK.
According to the promoters of both sides, negotiations are ongoing for a Usyk-Bellew fight, that, however, could also lead to an even bigger show for the Ukrainian, who would be favored to get past the always dangerous Bellew.
How about a fight between unified heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua and boxing’s only current male undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk?
As Alexander A. Krassyuk, the Ukrainian’s promoter stated at a Wednesday press conference in Kiev, a bout could very well be sanctioned by the World Boxing Organization thanks to the governing body’s regulations on its super title holders.
“[Last Tuesday] the WBO cleared that Oleksandr [could become] mandatory challenger at heavyweight. [Based on the organization’s regulations,] a super champion in one weight class has the right to claim a championship belt in a category above. The champion [of the WBO at heavyweight] is Anthony Joshua, so Oleksandr now has the right to fight with Joshua,” discussed Krassyuk in front of over one hundred media members.
The Ukrainian businessman also had an interview with this writer from BoxingScene.com earlier this week, where the promoter briefly opened up on a potential super-fight between his protégé and the British star.
“Fighting Anthony Joshua is the kind of fight that creates history. Two Olympic champions of the same games at London in 2012, two unified champions, and I believe Joshua has all the chances to become undisputed in heavyweight, two charismatic personalities would collide for the world recognition,” stated Krassyuk, before added, “people will remember it like Ali vs Frazier or Tyson vs Holyfield.”
Before history unfolds in front of millions of eyeballs of boxing fans around the globe, however, Usyk needs to keep focused and handle business, something Krassyuk is perfectly aware of.
“It is yet too early to speak of [a Joshua-Usyk super-fight] as Usyk has plenty of things to get done before that fight could happen.”
Anthony Joshua is getting back to the squared circle on September 22 against his mandatory challenger by the WBA in Alexander Povetkin. If all goes according to plan for the British pugilist, his next ring appearance will come in April of next year, also at the historic Wembley Stadium.
You can reach Tamas Pradarics at pradaricst@yahoo.com and follow him on Twitter @TomiPradarics.