Anthony Joshua will HAVE to fight dangerous unbeaten Oleksandr Usyk if he passes Takam test, claims promoter

ANTHONY JOSHUA being forced to face Oleksandr Usyk is no PR stunt, according to Ukraine icon’s promoter.

Britain’s unified heavyweight champion of the world has been left frustrated by his failure to land an undisputed fight with WBC boss Deontay Wilder.

But he could have an even bigger task if cruiserweight king Usyk enjoys a win on his May 25 heavyweight debut against Carlos Takam.

Usyk has moved up from the 14st 4lbs division with all four major belts and one of the straps should land him a shot at Watford hero AJ very soon.

The 31-year-old has already signed a co-promotional deal with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, to make the future bout easy to make and his other matchmaker is on board.

Alex Krassyuktold Boxing Video: “The fact that Usyk will become a mandatory challenger is not PR.

“These are the WBO rules, which were confirmed by the organisation’s president Francisco Valcarcel; four days ago I spoke with him.

“If Usyk wins, he officially leaves the WBO [cruiserweight] title. Usyk gains the position of official heavyweight challenger.

“Who is the champion? Joshua. So, Usyk is the mandatory claimant to fight with Joshua.”

“From the moment when Usyk becomes the official challenger, the fight with Joshua is irreversible, inevitable.

“Will there be interim fights? Possibly. But all this is built in the form of a pyramid, on top of which will be a cherry – Usyk vs Joshua.”

Usyk looked almost vulnerable for the first four rounds of his last cruiserweight bout with Brit hero Tony Bellew in November.

But the gap-toothed, southpaw sensation went up the gears and stopped the Everton fan in round eight with a ruthless left hook from Hell.

Source: Read Full Article