Usyk plans for Joshua and Fury may have to wait
Ever since his excellent unanimous decision victory against Anthony Joshua last September, 35-year-old Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk has been the talk of the heavyweight boxing scene.
The fallen Briton had been hoping for a rematch in May this year, although current events in Ukraine are more important for the recently crowned WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion, who is focused on an entirely different kind of battle outside the boxing ring.
Following the shocking invasion of Ukraine by the Russian regime led by Vladimir Putin, making his country a pariah state in the eyes of the world, competitive sports must inevitably be cast aside temporarily as Usyk fights to defend his homeland instead.
“My country and my honour are more important to me than a championship belt,” Usyk emotionally told CNN Sports reporter Don Riddel, having signed up for the defence battalion in Kyiv.
“I’m defending my home, I’m defending my wife, my children, my close ones,” explained Usyk, speaking from a basement location in the Ukrainian capital. Although he doesn’t speak English, the words of Usyk were clearly translated by his manager, Egis Klimas.
“There is no fear, absolutely no fear. There’s just bafflement. How could this be the 21st century,” questioned Usyk about the horrific situation unfolding in his country.
@BTSportBoxing: "Oleksandr Usyk has indicated that his fight with Anthony Joshua is in doubt after signing up to defend his country."
Despite the harrowing circumstances of his return to Ukraine, the experiences provided by his boxing career has proven helpful. “It has helped me to be calm and mentally prepared, and it helps me to help others who are panicking and nervous,” underlined Usyk, who remains keen to assist those around him, following a difficult journey back to his homeland.
Usyk joins his fellow compatriots and former heavyweight world champions, Wladimir Klitschko and brother Vitali Klitschko, who is currently the Mayor of Kyiv. Former world lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko is also present in the same location. Their combined defiance and frequent media appearances during the conflict are truly inspirational, having received messages of support from boxing fans around the world.
Inevitably, given the current circumstances and Usyk’s brave decision to return home, as the Russian invasion of his country continues, the reigning world heavyweight champion is indefinitely unavailable to compete in any proposed bouts. Just a short while ago in February, there was talk from the Joshua camp of a rematch with Usyk being planned for May this year. Such planning is now undoubtedly impossible, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Nevertheless, amidst the show must go on mentality of all professional sports, Joshua is unable to remain inactive, especially having suffered losses in two of his last four fights. Amidst concerns that Joshua is heading towards a downward spiral in his career, having reached the very top of his game, his management and promotors are working hard to find alternative options for the 32-year-old from Watford, with Otto Wallin, Joe Joyce and former foe Joseph Parker being considered currently.
Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin is regarded as the “most intriguing” opponent according to Sky Sports, who had been pegged to fight Dillian Whyte last October, before an unfortunate shoulder injury forced his withdrawal from that bout. As a southpaw like Usyk, the Joshua camp feel Wallin would be a great interim option, while the Swede has only lost once during his professional career, back in 2019 against none other than Tyson Fury on points.
Fury will inevitably be watching what happens with considered interest, despite the 33-year-old WBC and The Ring heavyweight champion also hinting at retirement. He had hoped for a unification bout against Joshua, although his fellow Briton losing against Usyk took that option off the table, until the prospect of taking on the winner of a planned Usyk versus Joshua rematch emerged.
In the meantime, oddsmakers are already making Fury the clear favourite to defeat fellow countryman Whyte, when the two Britons take to the ring in April. With this bout in mind, the latest list of the best sports betting sites via SBO will prove highly useful, especially when looking for the most reliable reviews and the latest online bookmaker promotions. This includes focus on those with strong boxing coverage, plus the best live betting options.
Meanwhile, as the world of boxing aims to carry on providing us with fascinating bouts, all our support and encouragement goes to Usyk, who we hope to see back in the ring at some point. His bravery and courage is an inspiration to us all, as is the determination show by the entire population of Ukraine. They are all champions in this particular fight.