Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered to now make a mandatory title defense. The IBF has ordered Usyk to now face Croatian heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic, according to the Croatian’s promoter Kalle Sauerland.

This would certainly derail his plans to take on WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in an undisputed title fight. However, Usyk might be confident that he will face ‘The Gypsy King’ sooner than later as he has now started training for this potential match. Talksport journalist Michael revealed this after he posted a video of ‘The Cat’ training. “Oleksandr Usyk back training today with his eyes on a potential undisputed heavyweight world title fight vs Tyson Fury in early 2023…” Benson wrote in the caption.

Despite Hrgovic beating Zhilei Zhang on the undercard of Joshua vs Usyk 2 and earning an IBF title bout, it seems that this bout might be called off in favor of a Fury fight. However, Fury first needs to overcome Derek Chisora who he will face for the third time on December 3. Usyk has already confirmed that he would like to face Fury next year but due to the unpredictability of boxing, he could very well face Hrgovic before the British champ.

Eddie Hearn thinks Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury could still happen

Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn thinks that a fight between Usyk and Fury will take place despite IBF ordering Usyk to face Hrgovic. In an interview with iFL TV, he stated that a big fight like this could certainly sway the IBF to change its decision. “If I’m honest, under IBF rules they shouldn’t let the Usyk-Fury fight happen. But at the end of the day it’s boxing, it’s a big fight and we’ve seen how sometimes the rules are flexible in fights like that. It’s the fight that’s next in first place at heavyweight.” he said.

A bout between Usyk and Fury is one boxing fans have been longing for. However, every negotiation to book this fight seems to end in disappointment. If both Usyk and Fury are champions heading into 2023, this fight is one that would prove the undisputed king of the most prestigious division in boxing.

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