Oleksandr Usyk has said he would be willing to fight Tyson Fury if Anthony Joshua steps aside, Kell Brook versus Amir Khan is finally on and Ivan Drago could be returning to our screens. Here are five boxing stories you might have missed...
Usyk Open To Fighting Fury Next If AJ Was To Step Aside
Following rumours that Anthony Joshua could step aside from his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian’s promoter has said that his fighter would be more than willing to take on Tyson Fury for a chance to decide the heavyweight division’s undisputed champion.
Joshua lost his IBF, WBA and WBO titles to Usyk in September and had activated the rematch clause in his contract but there have been whispers that the two-time world champion could be persuaded to step back if the money is right. It’s worth noting that at the moment this is nothing more than chatter, so take it with a pinch of salt. Everything we’ve heard from AJ post-Usyk makes it seem as if he is a man chomping at the bit to gain revenge over his usurper.
Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports, “The talks on AJ's step aside have been around since Fury KO'd Wilder.
"I heard that Joshua could consider stepping aside if the money is right as he feels respect to the division and is willing to let the undisputed heavyweight championship happen.
"Usyk says that he can fight Fury next if the offer is right and if AJ allows to do so."
Fury Aiming To Fight Three Times In 2022
Tyson Fury’s Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has said that ‘the Gypsy King’ is looking to fight three times in 2022 and that Dillian Whyte is the next “logical” fight.
As evident from the prior story, the WBC and lineal heavyweight champion’s next fight has been the subject of intense speculation since he stopped Deontay Wilder in their third encounter in October, and Arum believes his next fight should be ‘the Bodysnatcher.
“I think Dillian Whyte should be the next fight for Tyson Fury,” Arum told talkSPORT.
“We’ve got to push ahead and get a date and an opponent for Fury.
“And it seems to me that it is logical that it should be Dillian Whyte.”
“What I would like to see, and this is what he would like to see, getting in the ring at the end of February or March and doing at least three fights in 2022.
“Hopefully that is how it will all roll out, Fury is ready to fight anybody.
“I really believe that he is the pre-eminent heavyweight in the world, there is nobody out there that he would be reluctant to fight.”
Khan vs Brook Heading For February 19th In Manchester
After years of procrastination, Amir Khan and Kell Brook are finally set to do battle with the two Brit’s set to fight in Manchester on February 19.
The pair, who have been on a collision course with one another for an eternity, will meet at a catchweight of 10st 9lb (149lbs), two pounds above the welterweight limit, and the bout will be broadcast on Sky Box Office under the Boxxer banner.
"Amir Khan will hit the deck for the final time," Brook said following a heated London press conference announcing the fight.
"I'm coming levels down taking this fight," Khan insisted. "I've fought the best in the world and conquered America".
WBO Order Demetrius Andrade To Fight Janibek Alimkhanuly
The WBO have ordered Demetrius Andrade to defend his middleweight world title against Janibek Alimkhanuly.
The unbeaten American, who blitzed Jason Quigley inside two rounds in New Hampshire a fortnight ago, has been pursuing a big name in the division for years but, for now, that will have to wait.
Alimkhanuly is certainly no pushover, though. The US-based Kazakhstan native is also unbeaten with a record of 11 wins and seven knockouts and is coming in off the back of an impressive seventh round stoppage of Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam last month
Ivan Drago Rocky Spin Off En Route?
There could be some great news for fans of the Rocky franchise on the way as Dolph Lungdren, star of the series’ fourth instalment, has revealed a tantalising hint that a spin-off involving his iconic character, Ivan Drago, could be on the way.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the 64-year-old said, “I think there’s some talk about doing a whole spinoff on Drago with MGM. So you may get more of that.”
The Swede most recently reprised his role as the famous villain in 2018’s Creed II.
