Promoter Eddie Hearn says unified heavyweight king Anthony Joshua is open to fighting Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua watched on as Usyk put an end to Tony Bellew’s challenge in Manchester last week. Before talk immediately switched to a possible run in the top division.
Usyk has completely cleaned out the division and moving up seems the only option.
With Joshua already lined up for an April defence at Wembley, Usyk has time to acclimatize to the higher limit prior to any meeting.
“I think he’s intrigued by Usyk,” Hearn exclusively told Sky Sports.
“Also, I think he would like to fight Usyk. I think he would like to fight everybody who he views as a top-level fighter.
“The challenge for Usyk is the size. It’s going to be very difficult for anybody to out-skill him.
“But (Hall of Famer, Evander) Holyfield did it. He did it actually with toughness, which is even harder than to do it with skill.
“I think if Usyk shows what he will show at heavyweight. And if he puts himself in a position, AJ will have no problem fighting him.
“That could end up being a huge, huge fight. But I think Usyk in the post-fight interview was very sensible. And said this division is not a joke.”
BRIEDIS
Four world titles, the Ring Magazine belt and the Ali Trophy have been acquired in just 16 fights as a pro by Usyk.
The only other option at 200 pounds would be a rematch with Mairis Briedis, although the Latvian is now involved in the World Boxing Super Series himself.
Battling to a very close majority decision in their WBSS semi-final back in January, Briedis is seen as the natural successor to Usyk.
Should Usyk give the nod to relinquish his straps in the coming weeks, at least two versions are expected to be part of the cruiserweight tourney.
As things stand, Briedis may have to move up himself after the WBSS is completed, in order to secure a future rematch with the Ukrainian.
