Oleksandr Usyk in heavyweight action against Chazz Witherspoon
Oleksandr Usyk in heavyweight action against Chazz Witherspoon

Oleksandr Usyk: Former cruiserweight wants to fight winner of Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz for world heavyweight title


Oleksandr Usyk says he is ready to challenge the winner of the Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz rematch for their world heavyweight titles after making his debut in the division.

The former undisputed cruiserweight champion is the mandatory champion for the WBO heavyweight strap after successfully stepping up to heavyweight to beat Chazz Witherspoon in Chicago on Saturday night.

Witherspoon, who was a late replacement and took the fight on just a few days' notice, was stopped in the seventh round and now Usyk says he is already to challenge for the world heavyweight title.

"I am ready to fight them," Usyk said after his victory over Witherspoon. "If they are going to giver it to me, of course I am going to take it."

Ruiz Jr will defend the IBF, WBA and WBO belts he won in a huge upset win over Joshua in their rematch on December 7 in Saudi Arabia.

It wasn't an overly impressive debut, given the opponent, but Usyk is the mandatory champion given his status as a 'super champion' at cruiserweight, and feels ready to make the huge step up already.

Promoter Eddie Hearn already confirmed last week that Usyk would fight for the world title if he came through his debut fight with a win.

"He will fight for the world heavyweight title in his next fight, if he beats Witherspoon," said Haern. "He wants to jump straight in. He thinks he can beat everybody.

"We'll never really know until he's in with the elite of the elite. Those four or five guys, big, big men that can really test him."

Like what you've read?

MOST READ

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

Next Off

Fixtures & Results

Fetching latest games....
We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo