Plans for Oleksandr Usyk to go straight into an undisputed heavyweight bout with Tyson Fury next year were recently cast into doubt by reports that the IBF may have ordered their obligated challenger, Filip Hrgovic, take his shot.
Despite being only the first in line for a three-month belt war, sanctioning authorities appear to have called him to face Usyk in the Ukrainians’ second defense of the World title. his IBF heavyweight – title he holds with the WBA, WBO, and IBO.
Alex Krassyuk, a supporter of the Champion of Ukraine, disagrees. He said Sports sky that the IBF’s latest involvement will not alter their plans.
“At this stage, I can predict that it won’t affect the undisputed.”
Whether Krassyuk will directly speak to the sanctioning agency on behalf of their champion remains to be seen, but he certainly seems confident that Usyk and Fury will go head to head next – that is as long as Fury comes through Derek Chisora.
Given Usyk’s sole goal is to become undisputed and go down in history by doing it in two divisions, there’s little chance of him being stripped of the belt – although, in theory, a deal could be. It could be suggested that he would do so immediately if he won the match with Anger.
This will give the Ukrainian player an opportunity to assert his undisputed status, and then Hrgovic has the opportunity to contest the vacant title not long after. It all depends on whether Usyk wants to continue to defend his title or whether he wants to get up after 21 games unbeaten.
Of course, there’s also the case where Hrgovic’s team acted too excitedly – and in that case, the only thing that really shed some light on what was going on was a statement from the IBF.
