Boxing: Oleksandr Usyk to take on Derek Chisora on October 31
- Oleksandr Usyk set to take on Derek Chisora on October 31
- The two fighters were to clash on May 23 but the fight was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic
- Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Oleksandr Usyk to take on Derek Chisora on October 31.
Five months later, Usyk is set to take on Chisora as their rescheduled heavyweight fight was confirmed for October 31.
Ukranian star Usyk was originally set to enter the ring against Chisora on May 23, but the fight was delayed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Now after a hiatus of more than five months, they will collide at the end of October, with a venue to be confirmed soon.
Usyk has become the undisputed cruiserweight king, but is now targeting all the world heavyweight belts to keep himself on course for a WBO mandatory title fight with Anthony Joshua.
But the 33-year-old must first turn his attentions to defeating Chisora, who overpowered Artur Szpilka at The O2 in July last year, 12 months after his stunning eighth-round knockout of Carlos Takam at the same location.
Earlier this month, Usyk’s team stated they will force Joshua to meet the Ukranian in a mandatory title fight, which in turn could delay the latter’s Battle of Britain bout with Tyson Fury.
That led the Gypsy King to plead with Joshua to forego his mandatory title defence against Usyk, as he fears the reigning champion could suffer defeat and jeopardise any chance of their superfight.
Joshua is due to take on mandatory IBF challenger Kubrat Pulev on December 12, with promoter Hearn insisting that the bout will not be postponed again.
