Earlier today, it was confirmed that Usyk had signed a deal to be co-promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing with the short-term plan of setting a clash with Tony Bellew this coming November.
However, Bellew is far from the only target on Usyk’s radar.
Speaking to Kugan Cassius, Hearn told IFL TV, “I think the fight with Bellew is his last fight at cruiserweight – in his mind – before he moves up to try and challenge Joshua.”
The ridiculously good champion has already wiped out practically everyone at the 200 lb limit, and a switch to boxing’s premier division certainly makes sense.
When asked who else the Ukrainian could compete with at heavyweight, Hearn rattled off a list of names including Dereck Chisora, Dillian Whyte, Carlos Takam and Joseph Parker. The promoter has good working relationships with those mentioned, and seemed confident matchups could be made without too much hassle.
“All these fights can be delivered by Matchroom, with Usyk and K2, so it’s a natural move.”
The heavyweight division has already seen something of a resurgence since Tyson Fury shook up the division with his dethroning of Wladimir Klitschko in late 2015. Adding one of the best ever cruiserweights into the mix is a tantalising prospect.
