Understanding What’s Happening in the Heavyweight’s “Main Triangle”
There is a unique situation in the heavyweight division of professional boxing. Three fighters rounded out all the interest in the division, the most moneyed fights and the most resonant potential fights. The current WBC world champion Tyson Fury, WBA / WBO / IBF / IBO title holder Alexander Usyk and the once best fighter of the division Anthony Joshua formed such a “triangle” of the division, which, at the moment, can even be called equilateral.
It is on these boxers that the attention in the division is now focused, and the world got the opportunity for the first time in several decades to know the name of the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The Fury-Usyk fight is one of the most anticipated this year, but will it take place in the near future and will Joshua interfere with this? We tried to understand the current situation, assessing the likelihood of holding the most high-profile fights of the year.
Usyk – Joshua
Who needs. A British boxer who wants to take revenge and return the champion titles. It is possible that Oleksandr Usyk, who, if he wins, will establish himself in the status of the best fighter in the division, will “throw out” Joshua at least for the near future from among the title contenders and earn good money.
At what stage is the organization. In principle, everything is very clear here: the parties agreed to revenge, now they are discussing the venue, date, distribution of fees and other organizational issues. This is evidenced by the statement of Usyk’s promoter Oleksandr Krasyuk, who promised to soon announce all the details.
Where can the fight take place? So far, two options are being considered – Saudi Arabia, where Joshua’s manager Eddie Hearn has already fought his ward, or Great Britain, where Usyk and Joshua’s first fight took place. In the second case, a lot will depend on the situation with the coronavirus in Europe and Britain: holding such a big fight in empty stands is far from the best option. Yes, Kyiv was also named among the possible venues for the battle, however, it seems everyone understands the zero probability of such a development of events.
What can get in the way. As mentioned above – a pandemic, or Joshua’s desire to take a good compensation, leaving Usyk to have the most coveted fight at the moment.
Usyk – Fury
Who needs. No matter how pathetic it may sound, the whole world of boxing. The fight between the two best heavyweights in the world, who also have no defeats in the professional ring, the definition of the absolute world champion in the royal division for the first time in almost thirty years, the confrontation between two extraordinary and very charismatic boxers – all this makes the potential fight one of the biggest in boxing in recent years. time.
At what stage is the organization. So far, everything is very sluggish and without loud statements, despite the fact that the World Boxing Council, whose belt is owned by Fury, does not object to such a fight. The Gypsy King, in his style, managed to “hit” Usyk on social networks, said that he was ready to fight and defeat the Ukrainian, and his promoters hinted that Joshua should step aside in order to fight for the status of the absolute world champion. Usyk and Fury even went head-to-head in Lomachenko vs. Commey, but there are no serious hints yet that they will face each other in their next fights.
Where can the fight take place? Everywhere. This fight, as noted, will cause incredible interest. Unlike another fight, which will be discussed below, the Fury-Usyk fight can take place in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Singapore or Macau. Interest, resonance and attention are provided to him in any case.
What can get in the way. Commitments Usyk and Fury, integrity or greed Joshua. The Ukrainian has already promised a rematch with the latter, the Gypsy King must defend the title in a fight against Dillian Whyte, a bidding for the right of his organization should take place soon, and Joshua wants several tens of millions of dollars to refuse to fight Usyk. There are too many “ifs” that must converge for Usyk and Fury to meet in the ring anytime soon.
Fury – Joshua
Who needs. Perhaps both boxers. Fury – to establish himself as the strongest boxer in the UK and put Joshua in his place. Anthony in order to regain his reputation and punish the Gypsy King for all his statements. It is also needed by British fans, who will receive a top-end confrontation between the strongest and most popular boxers in their country.
At what stage of the organization. At zero.
Where can the fight take place? In Great Britain. Despite the stardom and status of both boxers, the fight will definitely not cause a stir in the USA. And in the Middle East you will not gather a large number of spectators.
What can get in the way. More precisely, who is Oleksandr Usyk. If he defeats Joshua for the second time, then the fight between Anthony and Fury will lose its relevance. It cannot even be ruled out that the maximalist Joshua, having lost the second time to Usyk, may end his career altogether. Paradoxically, the Ukrainian could become the catalyst for a meeting between the two Britons in the ring: if Alexander defeats both, then it is likely that Joshua and Fury will have one opportunity to get a high-profile and money fight – to agree to a duel between themselves.
PS Bidding for the right to organize the Fury-White duel should take place this week. According to unofficial information, the date and place of the Usyk-Joshua rematch will be announced very soon. Let’s see how it all ends.
Roman Maas
Source: Sportarena
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
