Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13KOs) could see his next fight, most likely against Daniel Dubois (19-1, 18KOs), in a country much closer to his Ukrainian homeland if promoter Alex Krassyuk successfully makes that possible option a reality.
Krassyuk, who has promoted Usyk for all of his professional career, is reportedly looking at opportunities for Usyk to fight in Poland due to Russia’s invasion of Usyk’s home country of Ukraine. Krassyuk took to social media to confirm that he is having meetings with promotional entity Knockout Promotions regarding the possibility of holding Usyk’s mandatory defence against Dubois in Polish territory. Frank Warren, who promotes Dubois, is known to have a good working relationship with Knockout Promotions through Warren’s Queensberry Promotions Polska promotional arm.
Polish Territory Considered Due to Ukraine Conflict
Poland has seen a considerable influx of Ukrainian refugees flow into the country, totalling more than eleven million people since March 2022 when the conflict was launched.
“Seeing my brother Andrzej Wasilewski to explore the opportunities for Usyk vs Dubois in Poland this summer,” Krassyuk stated via social media.
ProBox TV contacted Sergey Lapin, the director of operations for Usyk 17 Promotions, founded by Usyk. Lapin confirmed that options are being viewed and discussed in taking Usyk to Poland for a stadium fight for a “boxing celebration”.
“Indeed, the team is now considering the country of Poland.
This country loves boxing, and many of our compatriots are there!
We think we can assemble a large stadium there and arrange a real boxing celebration!”
The World Boxing Association officially ordered Usyk to obligate his mandatory challenger Dubois earlier this month following the collapse of talks between the unified world heavyweight champion Usyk and WBC title holder, Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24KOs). Usyk had agreed to take 30% of a purse split for a contest to have been held at Wembley Stadium, London. However, disagreements over potential re-match purse splits could not be agreed upon, leading to the collapse of talks and, in turn, an undisputed heavyweight title matchup.
Dubois is WBA Mandatory Challenger for Oleksandr Usyk's Next Fight
Dubois earned his position as WBA mandatory challenger following wins over Trevor Bryant in June last year, in which he collected the WBA’s secondary title. Dubois would successfully recover from three knockdowns against Kevin Lerena in December before halting the South African heavyweight contender. Dubois did pick up a suspected ACL injury in the contest, and Egis Klimas had raised doubts regarding the availability and health of Dubois.
