Oleksandr Usyk’s next move remains uncertain.
The unified heavyweight world champion is expected to return to action this summer, but he continues to be linked with a host of potential opponents and one former heavyweight ruler has revealed that the Ukrainian has personally assured him their long-awaited fight will happen.
Usyk had been linked to a showdown with Deontay Wilder at the beginning of the year, but prolonged negotiations led to Wilder instead opting to take on Derek Chisora, for what will be both men’s 50th professional contest.
Additionally, Usyk has been mentioned for a meeting with former unified world champion Andy Ruiz Jr, as well as a shock bout against Dutch kickboxer, Rico Verhoeven.
This week, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced that Usyk has requested a voluntary defence of his titles, but that he must then take on WBC Interim champion Agit Kabayel in the fight that follows to avoid being stripped.
However, when speaking with Gunman Boxing, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ revealed that the Ukrainian has given him ‘his word’ that victory over ‘Del Boy’ will tee up a shot at his titles.
“I believe so [that Usyk will come next], I’m going to keep Usyk for his word. I believe that he is a man of his word and I understand that [fighting me] is what he wants to do.
“He don’t need me because he has done great things throughout [his career], but he does need me if he wants that end of an era legacy [fight].”
It appears unlikely that Usyk will remain on the sidelines until a potential showdown with the American later this year, with Verhoeven now emerging as the surprise frontrunner to face the unified champion next.
