The World Boxing Association (WBA) has set a deadline for Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk’s mandatory title defence. The boxer must defend his belt within the next 24 months.
The WBA committee took into account the situation in the super-heavyweight division and Usyk’s status, giving him more time to organise fights with the strongest opponents.
‘The Ukrainian champion takes part in the defining fights of world boxing, opening a new era in the sport. That is why we have focused on organising fights of the highest quality,’ the WBA said in a statement.
Usyk’s last fight was in December last year, when he defeated Tyson Fury for the second time.