Eddie Hearn, promoter of former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, favors Alexander Usik in his potential fight with Tyson Fury for the title of the outright heavyweight champion.
Last Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Usik defended the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles by outboxing Joshua in their anticipated rematch. Usik, who unified the entire featherweight division and moved up to super featherweight in 2019, won the unified titles by defeating Joshua by unanimous decision last September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Hearn found himself losing both fights to Joshua, but has tremendous respect for the undefeated Ukrainian's ability and fully supports him fighting Fury despite the huge size difference.
"I would favor Alexander Usik in this fight. I really think he's that good. They're both very smart fighters. It's not really a good fight for the fans, and it's a very intriguing fight. Tyson Fury doesn't want to fight Usik, but he might have to because the money could be offered for him in a very big way," Hearn told The DAZN Boxing Show.
Fury last stepped into the ring in April, when he successfully defended his WBC world title by knocking out mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte in the sixth round. Fury recently announced his intention to retire from the sport, but a few days later he openly promised to return to the ring to beat Usik in a fight for the absolute crown.
Their respective promoters are currently negotiating the fight. It is expected that the meeting could take place in December, with Saudi Arabia leading the way as the venue. A two-fight agreement is being discussed, where a re-match could take place in the UK.
