A trilogy as the lure
Frank Warren thinks one fight could talk Oleksandr Usyk out of dropping to cruiserweight. Tyson Fury’s promoter told Sky Sports that if Fury beats Anthony Joshua on December 11, a third meeting with Usyk may look more attractive than a move down in weight.
“I would have thought so,” Warren said when asked whether the trilogy could tempt the Ukrainian to stay put. Usyk has beaten Fury twice and has twice been undisputed heavyweight champion without losing a fight. Fury, for his part, is eager to get him back in the ring.
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Cruiserweight talk surprises Warren
Usyk’s team have said he could return to cruiserweight, where David Benavidez and Jai Opetaia are possible targets. He last boxed at 200lb in 2018 and has been a heavyweight since 2019. He is 39, and Warren doesn’t hide his doubts. “It’s very difficult to lose weight as you get older,” he said, adding that Usyk would have to shift “some timber” to get there.
Warren points out that Usyk has plenty to do at heavyweight if he wants it. He promotes WBC champion Agit Kabayel, new IBF titlist Filip Hrgovic and Moses Itauma. Kabayel defends against Nelson Hysa on November 28, and Warren believes the popular German could fill a stadium in Europe against Usyk.
“I like Alex, I think he’s been a great champion at heavyweight,” Warren said. Whether the move down is smart, he added, is something only time will tell.
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