Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, is unwavering in his belief that a showdown between Usyk and Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title is an obligation that must be carried out. While Usyk prepares to defend his WBA (Super), WBO, and IBF belts against Daniel Dubois, talks for a bout against Fury have previously faltered. But Krassyuk does not believe they are done with that chapter yet.
The promoter emphasized the global demand for this fight, not only within the boxing community but also among those who know little about the sport. He pledged to do everything within his power to make it a reality.
He said: “The whole world wants to see this fight. Not just ourselves or people involved in boxing, but the whole world.
“People who know nothing about boxing would love to see the heavyweight undisputed fight for the four belts for the first time in the four-belt era. “I can promise you and promise all the fans around the world that I will do everything that can depend on me to make this fight happen.”
Usyk, an Olympic gold medallist and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, has yet to taste defeat in his 20 professional fights. He secured the heavyweight championship by toppling Anthony Joshua in 2021, adding to his earlier cruiserweight title.
Fury, on the other hand, boasts 33 victories and a single draw in his professional career. He is set to face MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in an unconventional, non-title match, a decision Usyk has criticized for being detrimental to boxing.
Usyk believes that Fury’s choice of opponent is questionable, especially for a WBC heavyweight champion, as Ngannou is from the MMA, not boxing. Fury’s inability to finalize an agreement with Usyk for a proposed Wembley Stadium bout earlier this year led to Dubois stepping into the fray.
Krassyuk’s determination to arrange the Fury-Usyk fight has not shaken. However, British promoter Frank Warren, who is the agent for both Dubois and Fury, has hinted that that the outcome of the Usyk-Dubois match may determine the trajectory of the potential Fury-Usyk clash.
Warren pointed out that if Dubois secures victory against Usyk, then Usyk’s involvement in the Fury fight might be jeopardized. It remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out in the ever-evolving world of heavyweight boxing. But the aftermath of Usyk vs. Dubois should make things clearer and set certain plans in motion.
Leon Osamor
