Oleksandr Usyk in talks over future of his world titles after facing call from rival to be stripped

Oleksandr Usyk’s team director Sergey Lapin has suggested talks are ongoing over the future of his world titles.

Usyk, the current unified WBC, IBF and WBA world heavyweight champion, has taken a controversial next fight against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in May.

Getty

The WBC revealed that their world title would be on the line for the Ukrainian to defend, given how Verhoeven holds huge pedigree in the kickboxing ranks.

But the two governing bodies are under pressure to clarify their stance on the fight, given it seems unlikely that the belts will be on the line right now.

Murat Gassiev is demanding that the WBA make a decision or even strip the champion, given he currently holds the regular title.

Meanwhile there has been calls from organisers for the title to be on the line when Deontay Wilder faces Derek Chisora on April 4.

Lapin has suggested discussions are active and a solution is being sought.

He said: “What do I make of the controversy around the WBC title being on the line?

“These are working processes that the team is currently dealing with. A decision will be made in the near future.

“We respect all organizations and their rules, and we are trying to find a solution that will be correct for all parties involved.

“The situation with belts is always complicated because several organizations are involved and each of them has its own rules and obligations.

“Right now there are discussions taking place. Once everything is finalized, we will communicate it.”

Who does Oleksandr Usyk want to fight after Rico Verhoeven?

Usyk will likely be ordered to face WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel immediately after his clash with Verhoeven.

Kabayel has waited patiently for several months and is next up in the sanctioning body rotation.

But Usyk has alternative plans for his future.

Usyk originally vacated his WBO title to steer clear of Fabio Wardley for what he believed was a better commercial opportunity.

But now he has opened the door to facing the winner of his May clash with Daniel Dubois.

And he would like his farewell fight to come against two-time rival Tyson Fury, who has reversed his retirement.