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Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois ordered by WBA, but fight is unlikely to prevent Ukrainian’s proposed undisputed showdown with Tyson Fury
The WBA have now officially ordered Oleksandr Usyk to defend his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight world titles against Daniel Dubois next.
However, this will likely not stop a potential undisputed showdown for the Ukrainian with WBC champion Tyson Fury from happening next.
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It is known that Usyk and Fury are deep in talks to meet, with Usyk's manager Egis Klimas claiming the deal is 'almost done'.
Their bout is being targeted for February 18, February 25 or March 4 in the Middle East.
Last month, a spanner was thrown into the works by the IBF as they ordered Usyk to defend against their mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic.
There has since been debate between the sanctioning bodies as to which mandatory is due first.
The WBA argue that they have not had a heavyweight mandatory since September 2018 (when Anthony Joshua defended against Alexander Povetkin).
Meanwhile the IBF had a more recent heavyweight mandatory in December 2020 (when Anthony Joshua defended against Kubrat Pulev).
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As a result, the WBA have now insisted that their mandatory should come first.
Surprisingly to some, this means that Dubois is due a world title shot.
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Following his defeat to Joe Joyce in 2020, Dubois bounced back by beating Trevor Bryan to win the lesser WBA 'regular' belt at heavyweight.
While this is not regarded as a true world title, it has put him in line to become the next mandatory from the WBA.
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Remarkably, Joyce has since gone on to become WBO mandatory, but they are third in line behind the WBA and IBF, so he may be left waiting for some time before he gets his opportunity.
With Usyk vs Dubois ordered next though, does this mean the British youngster will be fighting for a world title now?
In truth, this remains very unlikely.
As Dubois is promoted by Frank Warren, who co-promotes Fury, it seems very plausible that a step-aside deal will be worked out to allow Fury vs Usyk to take place next.
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This would have been more complicated if Hrgovic was the next mandatory due to the fact he is represented by rival promoters Eddie Hearn and Kalle Sauerland.
Dubois was floored three times by Kevin Lerena last time out and so is seemingly not yet ready for a challenge like Usyk regardless.
Boxing fans will be hopeful a resolution can be found which satisfies all parties involved and permits Fury vs Usyk to take place next.
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