By Tim Parsons-
Unbeaten and rarely talented Ukranian, Oleksandr Usyk is being lined up to be the mandatory challenger to Anthony Joshua’s world titles, if Joshua beats Jarrell Miller on June 1, and Usyk wins his own scheduled fight against Carlos Takam on May 25.
The WBO grant all super champions under their organisation an opportunity to become the mandatory champion to the undisputed belt held by the champion of a higher weight if they choose to change wight categories. Carlos . Takam was controversially stopped by Joshua in the 10th round in 2018, whilst dodging punches from Joshua.Usyk will have the challenge of needing to stop Takam more convincingly than Joshua, which will be an incredible achievement against a very experienced heavyweight like Takam, coming from a cruiserweight just turned heavyweight.
Joshua must also take care of Miller on June 1 for the clash with Usyk to happen. Miller at 22 st is a big lump who has never been beaten and has been training very seriously for this fight.
Anthony Joshua Stops Carlos Takam in 10 Rounds In August 2017
Many boxing fans may be disappointed with the news because of their eagerness to see Joshua face American Wilder, but Britain’s Dillian Whyte is mooted to be made mandatory challenger for Wilder’s WBC title if the unbeaten WBC champion gets past Dominic Breazeale on May 18.
OUTSTANDING
Usyk was an outstanding amateur before he joined the professional ranks where he equally excelled. As an amateur, he won gold medals at the 2011 World Championships and London 2012 Olympics, both in the heavyweight division.He joined the professional ranks as a cruiserweight, becoming the first cruiserweight to hold all four titles at the same time.
Carlos Takam will be a good test for him before meeting Joshua. If he does well, a match up with Anthony Joshua will be intriguing, but Joshua will without question be the favourite to win the fight.
Image:Sky sports.com