by Tamas Pradarics, Photos by K2 Promotions Ukraine
Over one hundred media members signed up for a press conference to be present at the official homecoming ceremony of boxing’s brand-new cruiserweight undisputed world champion, Oleksandr Usyk on Wednesday afternoon in Kiev.
During the show Usyk and his promoter, General Director of K2 Promotions’s Ukrainian section, Alexander A. Krassyuk spoke about Team Usyk’s scheduled heavyweight run, the possibility of a bout against Tony Bellew, and the regulation by the WBO regarding a bout against the organization’s heavyweight titleholder, Anthony Joshua.
Usyk (15-0, 11 KOs) found himself in the epitome of the business side of world boxing after he beat fellow unbeaten Murat Gassiev in a super-fight for all the marbles in the 200-pound division that also served as the finals of the celebrated World Boxing Super Series tournament in Moscow on July 21.
Past the question-and-answer session, the new WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO/Ring cruiserweight champion posed with his collection of belts and the Muhammad Ali Trophy and, also let the fans share an unforgettable moment next to him until hundreds of selfies and photos were made.
“It's not a secret that we are negotiating with Eddie Hearn, the most progressive and most exciting promoter in the world, who is the handler of both Anthony Joshua and Tony Bellew. Oleksandr, after receiving the Mohammed Ali Trophy, publicly challenged Tony Bellew. The job of the promoter is to realize the wish of the boxer, we are working on it now, especially since Bellew is also ready for this fight,” said Alexander Krassyuk during the press conference.
“I want to thank everyone who supported me in this fight. When I was in Moscow looking through the news, I saw that a lot of people were worried about me. Thank you very much for your support, for your prayers,” Usyk expressed to his fans.
“This is a big victory not only for me, but for those people who are sincerely glad that this Trophy, these magnificent belts, have come to the Ukraine,” said boxing’s only current male undisputed world champion.
“I once said when the belts are mine [at cruiserweight], I will definitely want to conquer a new stage. To explore more danger, more adrenaline, and everything that comes with [this challenge].”
“Yesterday the WBO cleared that Oleksandr [could become] mandatory challenger at heavyweight. [Based on the organization’s regulations,] a super champion in one weight class has the right to claim a championship belt in a category above. The champion [of the WBO at heavyweight] is Anthony Joshua, so Oleksandr now has the right to fight with Joshua,” concluded Krassyuk.
2023-10-21 13:08:35
