Boxing news: Tony Bellew vs Oleksandr Usyk deal close as promoter reveals date
TONY BELLEW and Oleksandr Usyk could meet in the ring on November 10 in London, according to the two fighters’ promoters.
Tony Bellow: I accept Oleksandr Usyk’s challenge
Usyk reached the pinnacle of the boxing world on July 21 when he produced a boxing masterclass against Murat Gassiev in Moscow to claim the Muhammad Ali Trophy as well as all four major cruiserweight world titles.
The Ukrainian subsequently called out Bellew who immediately accepted the challenge on social media, and now the two men are in the process of trying to agree a deal for the fight.
And the Scouser’s promoter Hearn believes Bellew, whose last two bouts were victories at heavyweight over David Haye, is prepared to take on one of the world’s best in Usyk.
“Next two weeks we'll know if it's happening - there is a good chance,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
"Ever since Usyk called him out…Tony's had it in his head that he's fighting him.
"And it's the only fight that he will come back for. It's Usyk or retire.
“That's what it will be now. It's only really the Usyk fight that gives him the buzz."
Meanwhile, Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk said: "We are very close to finalising the deal and announcing the fight.
“Most likely it will take place on November 10 in the UK."
Bellew has been campaigning at heavyweight, weighing at 213lb and then 210lb for his two wins over Haye.
But Hearn believes his charge is prepared to make the 200lb cruiserweight limit and challenge for a world title once again.
"When you get an opportunity like this to be undisputed champion, something that he's dreamed of since he laced up a pair of gloves, he can't let it go," Hearn said.
"But this will be his last fight, I will make sure of that, and he will give every ounce if it happens.
"He's started now in camp, because if it's November, it's 11 weeks and he's got to get his weight down.
"He's on that already. He was out in Portugal last week training, and he's in a good place."
And there is no question in the mind of Usyk’s promoter Krassyuk that for the fifth fight in a row, he will travel to his opponent’s homeland for the contest.
"Oh, England is the motherland for boxing. Every intelligent person is aware of that,” Hearn added.
"Usyk has become the Olympic champion in England and he is looking forward to defending all of his four belts.
“That will be a great honour for him and his team!
“The boxing world would desire the clash of two Olympic champs and two [future] undisputed professionals.”