Oleksandr Usyk may be dealing with a new injury, but he’s not lost the support of fans, it seems.
Making his return to the ring earlier this summer, Usyk would capture the undisputed heavyweight championship for the second time, knocking out Daniel Dubois with a hellacious finish.
And already linked with a slew of potential pairings for what may come as his retirement, Usyk has been welcomed to the ring by several notable champions and challengers.
But with confirmation of a new injury for the Ukrainian, a prospective pairing has been cast into doubt.
Injury casts Oleksandr Usyk’s potential fight with Joseph Parker into doubt
Linked with a showdown against WBO contender Joseph Parker in the time since his win over Dubois, Usyk has reportedly refused to come to the table to trash out a fight with the Kiwi veteran.
But according to Usyk’s promoter Frank Warren, the Queensberry Promotions leader has explained how the Ukrainian is hoping to secure an extension to discuss a fight with Parker.
“He (Oleksandr Usyk) put a letter in yesterday stating that he’s asked him for an extension period, because he’s injured, before being ordered to do anything,” Warren told Sky Sports.
And reacting to the news of Usyk’s latest injury setback, fans appear to side with the undisputed champion — due to his run of form at the heavyweight limit.
“Usyk out with a bad back,” a user posted. “Allegedly from carrying the heavyweight division.”
A second user commented, “And that’s absolutely fine, if he’s injured, then postpone the short term then make the fight. This should shut up the m—– waffling their narratives.”
A third user backed the fight to eventually take place, writing, “Really hope this fight happens. Nobody deserves it more than Parker.”
Oleksandr Usyk welcomed as future foe by light heavyweight star
It’s not just Parker, the defending champion Usyk has been linked with, as cruiserweight star Jai Opetaia has been backed as a sizeable hurdle for the former to pass if the pairing ever comes to fruition.
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However, light heavyweight kingpin David Benavidez was also pressed on the issue of a pairing with Usyk, as well.
Set to take on Anthony Yarde later this year, the unbeaten megastar has designs on an eventual cruiserweight move in the near future, too.