Alex Krassyuk, Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter already has a plan in place for the Ukrainian’s next move after the subsequent cancelation of his fight with Tyson Fury.
Last November, the IBF ordered a mandatory defense of Usyk’s IBF Heavyweight belt against Filip Hrgovic. However, in light of negotiations between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed fight, the order was rescinded. Following this decision, the WBA also notified the IBF that according to a pre-established order by all the major sanctioning bodies, the WBA mandatory title defense would be next.
Daniel Dubois, who holds the WBA ‘Regular’ title will face WBA ‘Super’ heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk next as ordered by the WBA at its annual convention that took place in Orlando, Florida on December 12.
Alex Krassyuk spoke about Usyk’s next fight in an interview with IFL TV, where he said:
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“We spoke with Frank and we both admitted that the fight is off. We accepted it and we agreed to talk again over the weekend to discuss the mandatory. Usyk vs. a mandatory is the most likely outcome to happen next. It should be the WBA next in line, but depending on Dubois’s health, if he’s fit to fight, that’ll be the case”.
Check out Krassyuk's comments below from 26:43 onwards:
Deontay Wilder would take the Oleksandr Usyk fight ‘in a heartbeat’ claims manager
Deontay Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel claims that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ would take the fight against Oleksandr Usyk "in a heartbeat."
While speaking to Sky Sports, Wilder’s manager made it clear that the Alabama-native would be available should the fight be offered to him, he said:
"If the Usyk fight is available, Deontay will take it in a heartbeat”.
Deontay Wilder is set to return to the boxing ring in 2023, as he announced on his Instagram earlier this week. The American heavyweight's next opponent is yet to be determined, although names like Andy Ruiz Jr. and Francis Ngannou have been heavily speculated. Wilder recently made headlines when he announced himself as a 'free agent'. He told 78SPORTSTV:
"I want to fight on all types of platforms, I'm willing to work with anyone. I have no problem with PBC, we're still thriving. We're still working together as far as I know of. Me and Al Haymon still communicate, there is no bad blood. We are working on a number of things and I shall return real soon, it has just been an ongoing thing dealing with the business of boxing"
Check out the full interview below: