I'm sure the WBC could agree to let him fight Bellew first as its a big money fight (i.e. They get more sanctioning fees). Usyk probably vacates after that so it's not an issue then
I think that it isn't going to take place. Usyk will probably defend against 'Bomber' Belly and afterwards move up to heavyweight. If it happens Usyk would slap current Lebedev silly.
Oh yeah sorry get my ABCs mixed up. Even still tho the WBA title will be on the line against Bellew so they'll still get the sanctioning fees
Lebedev won’t take this fight. He was once a warrior but I think Gassiev took that warrior spirit out of him. He is probably hoping Usyk will get stripped to take on Bellew but if Usyk accepts I can’t see Lebedev taking this fight. I hope this fight happens after the Bellew fight though.
This. Lebdev looked old and slow against Gassiev. Lebdev is several years older now and also has a bad shoulder. If Usyk can pickup some easy money I don't blame him for taking the fight, but I'd rather he fought Bellew, since that would be a far more competitive fight.
Some haters gonna claim that Usyk avoided Lebedev if that fight never happens duh. Pointless fight and only reason Lebedev might agree to it is because he is going to earn some money before his retirement. Lebedev somehow couldnt get into first or second season of Cruiser WBSS tourney ? Makes me wonder how is that even remotely possible , he is shot and old but still way more dangerous and better than at least half of the fighters in both seasons. May be he didnt want to be in it ? But the guy is such a warrior and tough as hell and already fought Gassiev - hard to believe that one.
This content is protected But eastside told me the WBA doesn't enforce mandatory defences when it comes to matchroom. They never ordered AJ v Povetkin so can't be ordering this effecting a big matchroom fight
I don't blame Lebdev for not fighting in the tournament at his age. He's paid his dues and deserves a good payday before retiring. Usyk can always fight Bellew after Lebdev and if not Usyk can start going to work on some of the heavyweight contenders.
I can't believe anyone is going to let another WBA "mandatory" get in the way of a decent fight. Bellew should just fight Usyk at heavyweight. It's time for Usyk to move up & let the lesser lights scramble over the vacant cruiser belts & make some money. Forget the alphabet bling, Tony. Just do the frickin fight.