The WBO has committed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to defend its World Cup belt against compulsory challengers Joseph Parker. The World Association thus grown in negotiations by the USYK camp with IBF title holder Daniel Dubois. Usyk reacts calmly to the announcement – and remains with his desired scenario.
“The WBO told us that I should defend the title against Parker,” said the Ukrainian in an interview with “Al Arabiya News”. But: “Our goal, the goal of our teams is to unite the belts with Daniel Dubois.”
Usyk assumes that the Saudi Box-Mogul Turki al Sheikh captures the concern of the WBO and enables the showdown for all four large World Cup titles.
“We want to fight Dubois. My team is ready. A lot depends on which way God gives us. The person who can do this is his excellence Turki al-Heikh. He is the one who can organize the fight. I think there would be many obstacles. WBA/WBC/WBO champion.
In the interview, Usyk indicates the way to the final gong of his career. “I still have two fights on my incredible journey,” mused the 38-year-old.
Alex Pereira, UFC half-heavy weight champion, has brought up as a “final boss”. He is interested in a crossover fight against the MMA fighter, said Usyk. “But only after the fight with Daniel.”
Kabayel probably without an opportunity for USYK fight
For Germany’s heavyweight hope Agit Kabayel that means: The dream of a World Cup fight against USYK. As a “interim” world champion at the WBC association, Kabayel is a compulsory challenger from USYK. “We have to wait, drink tea and see how the stones fall,” said the 32-year-old on his YouTube channel.
Kabayles coach Sükrü Aksu had already expressed doubts after the impressive victory of his protégé over China colossus Zhang Zhoei that the fight against Usyk came about.
“I cannot imagine that Usyk voluntarily wants to fight Agit. Usyk said he wants to box twice: Why should he box against us? When he fights against agit, Usyk has to call up more than against Tyson Fury,” said Aksu in an interview with athr.
Against Fury, Usyk in 2024 had initially been the first heavyweight since Lennox Lewis in 1999 all significant titles through a point victory. He also won the revenge at the end of the previous year.
“I am sad and miss this great guy,” said Usyk about Fury, who had resigned from the year. To have boxed 24 rounds with someone is “living with someone for 24 years”.