WBA ordered Usyk to fight Lebedev

The WBA has ordered the teams of Alexander Usyk and Denis Lebedev to start negotiations on, said Vadim Kornilov, the manager of the Russian boxer. Denis Lebedev will fight next on September 7. He will return to the ring for the first time since 2017.

The WBA in February reported that Lebedev, who did not take part in the World Boxing Series (WBSS), was declared "the champion in recess", but will have to meet the winner of the tournament. In July Usyk won in the WBSS final over the Russian Murat Gassiev.

"Yesterday the WBA sent a letter stating that we are obliged to begin negotiations on a fight between Lebedev and Usyk," Kornilov said. "Until October 3-4 we will have time to negotiate, if not, then there should be promoters bids."

"There is a very big chance that the Usyk-Lebedev battle can be realized within six months, but many things depend on the willingness of both sides, there are many options, it's difficult to say specifically," Kornilov said.