Usyk Wants $200 Million For The Joshua Trilogy – ‘We Are On Different Levels’
Oleksandr Usyk would consider fighting Anthony Joshua in a trilogy for $200 million.
That is according to Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk. The pair boxed each other twice, and Usyk emerged victorious on both occasions. The wins meant Usyk became the Unified Heavyweight Champion. Since then, both boxers have improved. Usyk defeated Tyson Fury as the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, the first man since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Usyk will rematch Fury on December 21. However, it is not for undisputed after Usyk vacated.
Joshua has done well since teaming up with Ben Davidson. In their two fights together, Joshua has secured stoppage wins over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou. Joshua will now box Daniel Dubois for the IBF Heavyweight Title. If Joshua beats Dubois, he could face Usyk again if the Ukrainian beats Fury. That sets up a massive undisputed fight. Usyk has now become a much bigger name than when he faced Joshua, giving the Ukrainian more leverage in negotiations. With no pressing need to face Joshua, it would take a massive offer for him to fight AJ.
Usyk Vs. Joshua
“He’s a great champ and he’s changed a lot since the two fights with Usyk. We’ve seen him going down and seen him rising up. It’s also a complicated fight to make. “I’ll tell you why, because now we are on different levels. In the first fight, Usyk was almost a no-name and Joshua was a massive star in the UK. After he beat him twice, Joshua still remains a massive star here no matter what. So this fight might be something that attracts the attention of the entire world. If we decide to earn money, then we can probably go for AJ for $200million,” Krassyuk said
Usyk’s team has said he may consider moving back down to cruiserweight after the Fury rematch. Usyk has already been undisputed at the weight class, showing he knows what it takes to dominate. However, he would have to drop a significant amount of weight, making it a tougher task at the tail end of his career.
What’s Next?
Usyk could also take a crossover fight with an MMA fighter or in BKFC. His team has expressed interest in taking on Conor McGregor in bare-knuckle. McGregor has two fights left on his UFC contract. Since he is a part-owner of BKFC, he has said he wants to take some fights under the organization. Getting big names like Usyk would help propel BKFC’s brand.
The final option is to retire. Usyk is undefeated and has won everything from amateur to professional level. Taking further fights at this stage only risks Usyk’s legacy if he comes up short. Either way, Krassyuk simply wanted the best for his fighter.
“I’m not talking on anyone’s behalf. We are happy if our opponents are happy. If they receive some huge amounts that they are satisfied with, for us it makes us more happy. We don’t want to get in somebody else’s business. If we are happy with what we achieved, then everything else stays out of our sight,” Krassyuk added
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