Undisputed clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua one step closer after WBO consider Usyk ruling

WBO consider enforcing undisputed heavyweight clash and agreeing deal with Oleksandr Usyk

The WBO are reportedly considering an official enforcement for the WBO heavyweight title to be on the line for the undisputed clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury later in the year.

Many have called for the mandatory status to be ignored in the wake of arguably one of the biggest fight's in boxing history in order for the winner of the contest to make history and become undisputed champion.

However Oleksandr Usyk is currently the mandatory challenger for the WBO belt, and is extremely keen on enforcing his status to pursue his own hopes of becoming world heavyweight champion after leaving the cruiserweight division as undisputed champion.

According to Sky Sports, Usyk has been approached by the governing body who are keen for the undisputed clash to happen and are looking to negotiate a route for Usyk outside of the prevention of the huge fight.

This comes after Frank Warren reported that negotiations are reportedly underway for an interim clash between Usyk and Joe Joyce to take on the winner of the clash between Fury and Joshua at the end of the year.

Usyk's promoter told Sky Sports: "We also received the letter from WBO saying that they are considering granting sanction for AJ vs Fury. But Usyk has never received any serious offer nor anyone approached him with the offer to ‘step aside’. We all read it from media.

“I know that the WBO in general and its president Paco Valcarcel in particular will never violate the rules of its organisation and sanction the major fight without Usyk’s consent.

“So now is the best time for the AJ vs Fury fight promoters to make Usyk a serious offer either to fight the WBO champion or to step aside and fight for the interim.”

It looks increasigly likely that the undisputed title clash will indeed take place with Bob Arum stating that a location has been agreed for the fight and that negotiations are moving forward swiftly with both fighters set to earn in the excess of £100 million each for the superfight.

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