In an interview with Boxing King Media, Alexander Krassyuk, the promoter of Ukrainian world champion in the heavyweight division (over 90.7 kg) Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs), and CBDO of Ready To Fight, discussed celebrating the undisputed champion status, why Usyk relinquished the IBF title, future plans, and more.
Celebrating Usyk’s Victory Over Tyson Fury and the Undisputed Champion Status
"Nothing unusual happened, you just return to your normal life. Some people ask me, ‘How does it feel to be the promoter of a two-time undisputed champion?’ I feel the same. We did our job, we achieved the result, celebrated, and then returned to normal life. I’m happy, but nothing extraordinary – we expected this victory, we worked hard for this victory, and it was the result of a very precise long-term plan. Sure, there were circumstances that could spoil the result, but we worked for 10 years. We built our relationships, our cooperation within the team, and approaching this fight, we showed our best form, best energy, best teamwork, and it worked like a mechanism. So the result was predictable for us. Of course, there was a chance we could lose, that’s why people buy tickets and watch boxing, but here (points to heart), you have it here."
Why Usyk Gave Up the IBF Title
"First, we didn’t aim to hold on to the belts as long as possible. Second, we gave IBF written consent that after the fight with Fury, if Usyk became the undisputed champion, we would either have an obligation to fight the mandatory challenger or, if we had other commitments with Tyson Fury, we would vacate the title. This was agreed upon with IBF a long time ago. And this made the great fight possible. If we give our word, we usually keep it. So when Usyk became the undisputed champion, we contacted IBF to check the current status of their regulation. We were informed that IBF wanted to schedule a mandatory defense. As soon as that happened, Usyk announced on social media that he was vacating the title, instead of being stripped of it, avoiding lawsuits and official proceedings. We don’t need that. Usyk completed his task, he became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Mission accomplished."
Usyk’s Future Plans
"I don’t make decisions on his behalf. Everything we do, we do together. We discuss ideas, accept ideas, create a plan, and then execute it. Right now, we are in the discussion phase. The first checkpoint is December 21 (rematch with Tyson Fury). Then we will decide what to do next. Vacate all the belts or continue defending them. Drop weight class or try exhibition matches. Move to Bare Knuckle, UFC, WWE, or maybe start an acting career in Hollywood. We can’t know what will happen tomorrow, so predicting what will be in two years is too difficult for me."
On Too Many Voices in Tyson Fury’s Corner
"This happens not for the first time. It happened before. The reason Tyson Fury was undefeated in previous fights is only himself. He didn’t fight a guy like Usyk, but on the other hand, we have to give him credit – he has enough knowledge here (points to head) and enough strength here (points to heart). He’s a strong fighter, one of the strongest in boxing history, so it doesn’t matter how many voices are behind him, he feels 100% that he will complete the mission. But when it comes to a fight where you have to surpass yourself, go beyond the possible, that’s the moment when the voice behind you gives you 1% or maybe 0.5% advantage. And it has to be a very professional voice from someone you trust. Someone you see as a mentor, a teacher. Someone very authoritative for you. And that person shouldn’t shout. Remember Emanuel Steward with Wladimir Klitschko – he said simple things but looked him in the eye and put things in order in his head and heart. He could talk about things not related to boxing, but he put things in order, and that’s what a fighter needs. And you see, in a critical situation, Usyk has his own recipe, his prayer. That’s the moment when his focus comes to one point."
The Fee for the Usyk-Joshua Trilogy
"Anthony Joshua talked about a third fight. He’s a great champion, he changed a lot after two fights with Usyk. We saw Joshua fall and rise. This fight is hard to arrange because we are on different levels now. Before the first fight, Usyk was almost a no-name, and Joshua was a huge star in the UK. When Alexander beat him twice, Joshua still remained a big star in the UK, no matter what. So this fight can attract worldwide attention. On the other hand, if we decide to make money, maybe we’ll agree to fight AJ for... two billion dollars. No, that’s too much. Two hundred thousand dollars per second – how much will that be? No, that’s still too much. Let’s settle on 200 million. This number is easier to comprehend."
Favorite in the Fight Between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois
"Anthony Joshua is the favorite in this fight. I would give him 75 percent against 25. It’s not that Dubois is weak – we’ve seen him. But his skills are limited. He has limited experience. The only elite opponent he fought was Usyk. Yes, he fought Joe Joyce, but that probably wasn’t his best fight. Nevertheless, he has a big heart and a very good coach – someone who knows how to inspire. Of course, Dubois has chances. But from a boxing theory perspective, AJ has the advantage in almost all aspects except age."
Who Would Win in a Potential Mega Fight Between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury
"I would give it 50-50. These are two different styles. It’s a matter of determination at the moment they step into the ring. I mean, who will be better here and here (points to head and heart) for those 47 minutes. We know AJ thinks too much. But sometimes, when you think too much, you can come up with something special. We know Tyson Fury doesn’t think and doesn’t follow discipline. They say discipline beats class. In this regard, Joshua has the advantage because he is disciplined, and Tyson is not. But Fury has a higher class."
Berinchyk’s Next Fight
"Berinchyk became the WBO world champion on the same day as Usyk. Now he has a title defense at the end of the year. We don’t know yet where this fight will take place. There are very interesting negotiations that may end with very interesting results. But it’s too early to talk about it. You can just look at the ratings, check the top 5-7 in the four sanctioning bodies – you can easily pick an opponent. But on the other hand, Berinchyk is not a young guy. He’s 36, and he doesn’t have as much time as young 25-year-old fighters. He needs to be decisive and act quickly."