Hearn expects Joshua-Usyk fight in 2020

Eddie Hearn says Alexander Povetkin could be Oleksandr Usyk's first heavyweight opponent, with Anthony Joshua to come in 2020.

Published : Feb 21, 2019 17:07 IST

Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua
Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua
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Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn expects Anthony Joshua to fight cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk next year.

It is anticipated that undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk will make the step up to the heavyweight division in 2019.

Hearn, Joshua's promoter, says the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight title-holder could well do battle with the Ukrainian in a mandatory bout next year.

Asked if the Briton and Usyk might step into the ring together this year, Hearn told Sky Sports: "No. That fight comes in 2020."

Read: Joshua is going to crack like an egg, predicts Miller

He added: "Usyk will fight in May, probably in his heavyweight debut, potentially against Alexander Povetkin.

"Then he'll have one more. Then it looks like the WBO will make him mandatory for Anthony Joshua. I see that fight happening in spring 2020."

Joshua's next assignment is a United States debut against Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden on June 1.

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