Anthony Joshua on Oleksandr Usyk's radar at heavyweight

By Tim Hobbs

Oleksandr Usyk says he will move up to heavyweight and take on Anthony Joshua but not until he has proved he is the best cruiserweight in the world.

The Ukrainian takes on fellow unbeaten cruiserweight Mairis Briedis in the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series, in Riga, Latvia, this Saturday.

Usyk is the No 1 seed and wants to prove he is the best cruiserweight in the world and although he is not looking past Briedis, he has not ruled out moving up and meeting Joshua.

I think you can see yourself, I will fight him. Not yet, though.
Oleksandr Usyk

"I will but let's wait for a while," he exclusively told Sky Sports.

"I will move up to heavyweight and show them all how good I am. I think you can see yourself, I will fight him (Joshua). Not yet though.

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Image: Anthony Joshua struck gold at London 2012, as did Oleksandr Usyk

"But it is a question everybody keeps asking me, so once we go face to face, we will find out. It will be good.

Joshua and Usyk compared

Anthony Joshua Oleksandr Usyk
20-0-KO20 Professional record 13-0-KO11
WBA/IBF heavyweight World titles WBO crusierweight
September 17, 2016 Won world titles April 9, 2016
16 Fights taken 10
October 5, 2013 Turned pro November 9, 2013
Super-heavyweight Olympic gold Heavyweight
6ft 6in/82in Height/Reach 6ft 3in/78in

"First of all, I like Britain because that is where boxing was born. The fans over there still follow me and watch me, so I will always try and show them my best."

Also See:

Joshua vs Parker on Box Office

Sky Sports Box Office will show the heavyweight unification from Cardiff, on Saturday, March 31.

Usyk has been sparring with London duo Isaac Chamberlain and Mikael Lawal, as well as Mateusz Masternak and Dmitry Kudryashov as he gets ready for Briedis.

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The 31-year-old will put his WBO belt on the line with Briedis defending the WBC version he picked up once Tony Bellew moved up to heavyweight.

"I do think Briedis will be the toughest opponent I have faced in my professional career," he said.

Image: Usyk faces Mairis Briedis in the World Boxing Super Series on Saturday

"He is 23-0, he's a cruiserweight and he can punch and that makes anyone dangerous. You are going to see my boxing, everything I do week, once I am in there with him.

"We always prepare to go the full 12 rounds but I will try my best and show the skills I have been working on, and I want to show what I can do. You will see."

Watch the Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker world heavyweight title unification fight, from Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on March 31, live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office.

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