World heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, has made it clear that he is only interested in facing British-Nigerian Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, which will set the stage for potentially career-defining face-offs in the heavyweight division.
Speaking to Seconds Out, the Ukrainian boxer expressed his preference for rematches with the duo, emphasising that it’s time for younger fighters to step up.
“Well, this is a rematch with Fury and possibly a third match with Joshua. Only with these two guys is it still interesting. From now on, let the youth get fit and work,” Usyk said.
The 37-year-old champion, who boasts an impressive record of 22-0 with 14 knockouts, is scheduled to face Fury on December 21.
However, he hasn’t ruled out a third fight with Joshua, contingent on the latter’s performance against Daniel Dubois on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua’s upcoming bout with Dubois has already made headlines, with tickets selling out rapidly for the expanded 96,000-capacity venue.
Joshua’s drawing power was evident as Wembley Stadium increased its capacity from the original 90,000 seats to accommodate the overwhelming demand.
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, confirmed the sell-out, highlighting the immense interest in Joshua’s attempt to reclaim a world title for the third time. The event, part of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh season, is set to be a historic night for boxing.
For Joshua, the fight against Dubois represents a crucial step in his journey back to the top of the heavyweight division.
“The goal is just to get through a successful training camp and then perform on the night,” Joshua said, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
Dubois, the current IBF heavyweight champion after Usyk vacated the belt, is equally determined to make his mark.
“AJ has been the king for a long time, and we all know it. On the night, I need to become a king-slayer,” the young champion declared.
Usyk’s focus on Joshua and Fury suggests he’s looking to close out his career on a high note. If he manages to defeat both fighters again, he could potentially retire with an unbeaten record of 24-0, cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
The Ukrainian champion’s impressive resume already includes being an Olympic gold medallist and the first boxer to unify all four belts in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.
A perfect retirement record would further solidify his position as a legend in the sport.
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates these high-stakes matchups, all eyes will first be on Joshua’s performance against Dubois at Wembley Stadium, with the outcome setting the stage for a potential trilogy bout with Usyk, adding another chapter to their riveting rivalry.
