Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois Is the ‘Priority’, Says Usyk’s Promoter Alex Krassyuk
After defeating Tyson Fury for the second time in December, unified WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is currently without an opponent for his next fight.
Despite this, two options seem most likely for Usyk’s next bout.
One option would be to defend his titles against his WBO mandatory challenger, Joseph Parker.
The matchup against the in-form Joseph Parker would present a fresh challenge for Oleksandr Usyk, who has been used to rematching the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Alternatively, Usyk could find himself in another rematch, this time with Daniel Dubois, with undisputed status on the line.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk said the undisputed title is their “priority” instead of facing mandatory challenger Joseph Parker.
“If undisputed makes itself possible – it will be the priority,” he said.
“We will come to know it within the next couple of days.”
A rematch with Dubois would allow Oleksandr Usyk to become the first-ever two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. The Ukrainian initially became the undisputed champion in May last year with his first win over Fury. However, Usyk was forced to relinquish the IBF title to pursue his rematch with Fury.
This allowed Dubois’ interim IBF belt to be upgraded to the full IBF heavyweight world title.
Becoming the first two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, in addition to his undisputed status at cruiserweight, Olympic gold medal and undefeated professional record would add to Usyk’s already hall-of-fame-worthy career.
WBO Receive a Petition to Allow Usyk vs Dubois 2 for the Undisputed Title
Despite Joseph Parker being the mandatory challenger for the WBO title, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri told Sky Sports that the organisation has received a petition to allow Usyk to attempt to unify the titles before facing Parker.
“There is a petition before the Championship Committee to consider a Usyk-Dubois unification to consolidate the heavyweight championships.
“Therefore, upon an official ruling regarding this matte. We will publicly announce the official decision, including Parker’s mandatory status, if that be the case.”
Parker undoubtedly deserves a shot at the heavyweight title but given the fact Oleksandr Usyk is 38 and has achieved what he has in the sport.
The Ukrainian has earned the right to choose what’s next for him at this stage of his career.
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