via Imago
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory against Tony Bellew in their cruiserweight boxing bout Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Manchester, England. Usyk successfully defended his four belts and likely sent Bellew into retirement by knocking out the British fighter in the eighth round. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
via Imago
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory against Tony Bellew in their cruiserweight boxing bout Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Manchester, England. Usyk successfully defended his four belts and likely sent Bellew into retirement by knocking out the British fighter in the eighth round. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
Former cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, made a surprising comment about Joe Joyce. The Ukrainian accused the Englishman of making a sub-standard offer and claimed he would have the final say. Subsequently, Frank Warren has shut him down with a response of his own.
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Oleksandr Usyk is pictured during the Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora Press Conference at the Royal Institute of British Architects on March 13, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
The Usyk and Joyce fight came about ever since news broke that Anthony Joshua would face Tyson Fury. However, the Ukrainian’s manager revealed no talks started until they had confirmation about the Joshua-Fury fight. Since that has been announced, negotiations are underway.
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However, Usyk revealed the reality of the negotiations and took to his Twitter to call out Joe Joyce’s offer. The former Olympic Gold Medalist labeled the offer ‘unsuitable.’ He then revealed they had made a counter-offer.
Joyce’s team made us an offer. The offer was unsuitable, so we made a more viable counter-offer. Joyce shouldn’t think too much of himself and fall in line with everyone else. I’ll be the one making the final decision.
— Alexander Usyk (@usykaa) March 17, 2021
However, what will surprise fans from Usyk’s comments is that he accused Joyce of thinking too much of himself and called him to stay in line with the others. The Ukrainian then showed his authority by claiming he will make the final decision.
This comment showed Usyk is unhappy with the offer Joyce’s team has made. Moreover, it also revealed that the former cruiserweight champion won’t compromise, and wants to be the ‘A-Side’.
READ: 5 Mike Tyson Ring Walks Which Will Never Be Forgotten
Frank Warren’s response to Oleksandr Usyk
The Ukrainian’s tweet did not go unnoticed. Given his direct accusations, it was only a matter of time till Joyce’s team got back. Frank Warren, who represents ‘The Juggernaut,’ replied to Usyk and rubbished his claims of a counter-offer.
The promoter tweeted back to Usyk and said they have not received the offer. However, he confirmed that Joyce’s team had made an offer last week. Despite this, Warren called on Usyk to make the fight happen since all parties wanted to make it.
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Hi Alex, we haven’t received any counter offer from you or your team.
We made an offer to your manager again last week.
Joe wants this fight.
We want this fight.
It sounds like you want this fight.
Let’s get this made for the fans 👊
— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) March 17, 2021
This will surprise fans a little, as it is uncharacteristic of the Ukrainian to take to social media to reveal such information. However, the good news for fans will be that the negotiations are underway. It would guarantee the winner of this fight a shot at the winner of the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua bout.
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What do you make of these developments? Do you think Oleksandr Usyk and Joe Joyce will meet in the ring?
READ: Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Training Comparison: Who Has the Better Technique?
