World Boxing News understands that DAZN may be ready to avoid going head-to-head with Deontay Wilder’s next Showtime event on May 18.
It had been previously reported that Oleksandr Usyk was closing in on a headlining event against Carlos Takam.
The fight is still in play, although bringing the date forward a day is a big possibility for the show, planned for Chicago.
In another move, Callum Smith is being pencilled in to co-feature. Although Joe Gallagher recently told WBN he wants ‘Mundo’ on the Anthony Joshua undercard.
WBN believes Eddie Hearn is keen to showcase the two World Boxing Super Series winners on the same card.
Gallagher is still pushing hard to make sure Smith gets the spot as Joshua battles Jarrell Miller in New York.
At this point, nothing is set in stone.
If it happens, Usyk would move up to heavyweight for Takam, whilst Smith would make a defense of his WBA ‘Super’ super-middleweight title.
WBN has also learned that mandatory challenger John Ryder is not being considered as an opponent.
Ryder will have to wait for his opportunity despite recently winning a WBA eliminator.
The Usyk event could be confirmed in the next few days, meaning Wilder gets a clear run for his contest with Dominic Breazeale.
Fans gave out huge groans when rumors began that Usyk would go up against Wilder in a TV clash. Relief will be the order of the day if DAZN ratify those plans next week.
Wilder faces Breazeale at the Barclays Center in New York City in what will be a WBC mandatory fight of his own.
WHYTE
Breazeale was initially put forward to fight Dillian Whyte for the interim title. That was only on condition Wilder and Tyson Fury agreed to a rematch.
Fury pulled out of negotiations at the eleventh hour, bringing Breazeale in from the cold.
The World Boxing Council are now expected to rule on Whyte’s position. The Brit should still get an interim shot, dependent on whether he accepts the opponent.
Luis Ortiz is next in line, although Whyte has already rejected the Cuban once. Further down the list is Adam Kownacki.
