Editor’s note : This article was originally posted on DAZN.com.
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Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk are on course to fight for the WBO “interim” heavyweight title, according to the Briton’s manager.
Usyk is currently the WBO mandatory challenger but evidently has agreed to delay his challenge of Anthony Joshua so Joshua can fight Tyson Fury for the undisputed championship. Joyce moved up to No. 2 in the rankings after stopping Daniel Dubois in 10 rounds in November.
The winner of the Usyk-Joyce fight presumably would fight the Joshua-Fury winner or for the vacant title if Joshua or Fury gives it up.
Adam Morallee, part of Joyce’s S-JAM management team, informed ESPN that talks are underway with Usyk’s camp.
“It looks like a fight for the WBO interim title is what will happen next, and securing a fight with Usyk is our priority,” Morallee said. “I think Usyk should be Joe’s next fight, and in terms of timing I think it happens in the second quarter of this year. I understand the WBO has stipulated they have to fight in five to six months.
“Joe’s ambition is to become undisputed champion, and if he beats Usyk, he would then fight Joshua or Fury. And if he doesn’t fight either of them next, he would fight for the WBO title.
“The WBO want their titles active and that’s why they want to order Usyk-Joe for the interim title, and it will get upgraded to the full title if Fury or Joshua don’t fight the winner [of Joyce vs. Usyk].
“Our promoter Frank Warren is liaising with the WBO and Usyk’s people, and it’s a fluid situation. I’m hopeful we can get it done.”
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