Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight debut will be against the serviceable Carlos Takam.
Earlier this year, 3KingsBoxing reported on current undisputed world Cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to move up to the heavyweight division. We may now know who his debut bout may be against.
3KingsBoxing has learned negotiations have been finalized for a bout between Usyk (16-0, 12KO) and former title challenger Carlos Takam that would take place on May 18 in Chicago. DAZN will host the bout.
This news comes on the heels of the WBA ordering a purse bid for a possible Usyk vs Denis Lebedev bout at cruiserweight. However, the undisputed champion’s aspiration to move to heavyweight has been clear for a while.
Carlos Takam would represent a good heavyweight debut opponent for Usyk. In 2017, He took current unified champion list Anthony Joshua ten rounds in a losing effort. Also, in 2018, Takam engaged in one of the fights of the year against Dereck Chisora. He also lost that match by 8th round stoppage.
The May 18 date for Usyk’s debut is very interesting and quite shrewd. Recently, WBC champion Deontay Wilder held a press conference to announce that his upcoming defense against mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale will also take place on the same day.
Therefore, you not only would have Usyk making his debut in the U.S, but you would have DAZN attempting to compete with Showtime as well!
In 1599, William Shakespeare came up with the phrase “timing is everything”. That phrase is particularly true when it comes to boxing, both in and out of the ring.
Many in boxing circles have Usyk as a clear Top 5 pound-for-pound fighter. The timing of not only where, but when Usyk is making his foray into the heavyweight division may indeed be happening at just the right moment for him. Furthermore, for boxing and the division.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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