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Fury vs Joshua Title Unification in Jeopardy as Oleksandr Demands Mandatory Fight

Published 06/17/2020, 11:00 AM EDT

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via Imago

The World Heavyweight boxing division is highly abuzz, what with all the action that lies ahead- The conclusion of the trilogy between Wilder-Fury is first on the list. However, boxing fans across the globe are most excited about a title unification bout. This topic sprang up after Fury beat Wilder in their rematch to take over the WBC title. Anthony Joshua and Fury, along with their teams are eager to get the match underway as soon as possible.

Nevertheless, both the English champions have some duties to fulfill before they get their hands at each other. Of course, both of them will only collide if they emerge out of their prior matches victorious.

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While Fury has “The Bronze Bomber” to handle, Joshua has a pre-signed battle with Kubrat Pulev. If both manage to beat their opponents, they will meet next for a title unification bout.

At least, that was the case until now.

Oleksandr Usyk calls for mandatory WBO title match against Anthony Joshua

Oleksandr Usyk rose up the ranks to conquer the cruiserweight division before his plan to step up to heavyweight. While he has a match with Dereck Chisora pending, he is next in line for the mandatory title match for the WBO title that AJ currently holds.

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In fact, the match was supposed to take place even before AJ’s deal with Pulev. However, Usyk’s team reportedly showed flexibility regarding the matter. Speaking about the same, Usyk’s co-promoter, Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports,

“Usyk’s WBO mandatory had to happen before AJ vs Pulev. But we were flexible and did not put much pressure on, allowing AJ to complete his IBF mandatory while Usyk fights Chisora. But this was made with regards that the WBO champ has to make his mandatory [defense] versus Usyk. It means that either Joshua fights Usyk first or fights Fury without the WBO belt.”

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This comes as a wrench in the plans for a title unification bout. With Dillian Whyte, too, advocating his title shot at the WBC championship, both sides look heavily pre-occupied for a title unification bout.

How do you think the whole situation will pan-out?

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Written by:

Deepit Sharma

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