Oleksandr Usyk vs Derek Chisora ‘is close’ to being rescheduled, says promoter Eddie Hearn

Usyk was originally set to face Chisora in May, a date cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, and restrictions for crowd attendances have complicated plans to reschedule the fight. But Hearn had hoped to stage Usyk-Chisora on October 31, and the Matchroom Boxing boss is optimistic that revised terms can be agreed.

We’re close, Hearn told Sky Sports. I mean both guys understand that without a gate at The O2, there’s significantly less revenue driven to that show, but both guys fancy that fight. We’re trying to get the maths right. We’re trying to get the numbers right to get these guys over the line. I have to say, fair play to both of them, they are trying to find a way.

But we are handcuffed and bound by the fact that no fans are allowed at the moment. But if I’m a betting man, I’m having a little cheeky each way punt that Usyk-Chisora gets over the line. Usyk has already lined up a mandatory shot at the WBO heavyweight belt which is held by Anthony Joshua, who is still expected to defend his unified titles against Kubrat Pulev in December.

But Alexander Krassyuk, co-promoter for Usyk, has warned that he will ‘enforce’ Joshua’s WBO title commitments to the Ukrainian star. Usyk has been the WBO mandatory challenger for more than one year, Krassyuk told Sky Sports. He has agreed to let AJ versus Pulev happen, with regards that the winner fights him next. This statement is still solid.