DAZN are planning to host a massive event on the same night as Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight return to action in New York.
Wilder recently announced his WBC mandatory defense against Dominic Breazeale for May 18 at the Barclays Center.
Just days later, and WBN understands DAZN are considering allowing Oleksandr Usyk’s top division debut to go head-to-head with the American.
Usyk was in talks with Alexander Povetkin. Reports are filtering through that Carlos Takam is the new target for Chicago.
Povetkin looks likely to feature alongside Usyk in a double-header before they eventually meet in the fall.
Should the bill go ahead on that date, it would be a massive blow to fight fans around the world.
Having to choose between two such cards is a sad fact of where we now are in the sport. TV bosses are embroiled in a viewership war, which is damaging to all concerned.
The news comes just a week after Wilder rejected a multi-fight offer from DAZN. Usyk v Takam won’t be pleasing to Showtime executives.
Deciding against a Pay-Per-View fight as a thank you to his supporters, Wilder now faces the prospect of a rivalry with Usyk on the night.
What makes things worse it the fact that Usyk’s debut at 200 pounds plus has been long-awaited. This follows his domination at cruiserweight.
Claiming the Ali Trophy in the World Boxing Super Series was the cherry on the cake. The Ukrainian is now being tipped to follow Evander Holyfield in doing the same at heavyweight.
Usyk v Takam is a fight lots will want to witness in order to gauge how far the 32 year-old is from a shot at Anthony Joshua.
Many are predicting Usyk could be ready as early as next year for what would be one of the events of 2020.
DAZN
Recently confirming a price hike, DAZN is becoming a serious player in the sport since launching in the United States last September.
Originally offering their programming for $9.99, DAZN will now ask new subscribers to pay $19.99 on a monthly basis.
Punters can sign up long term over a twelve month period. This way, they’ll actually save money on a monthly fee at $99.99 for the whole year.
Which one will you pick?
Prospective MAY 18 line-up:
WBSS Semi-Finals – Glasgow
Wilder v Breazeale
Usyk v Takam
Povetkin v TBA
