Oleksandr Usyk has been accused of “running away” from a showdown with Fabio Wardley by the British WBO heavyweight champion’s manager Mike Ofo.
The Ukrainian relinquished his WBO title rather than face Wardley, despite being ordered to defend against the winner of the Parker-Wardley bout.
Ofo said: “Usyk is doing the opposite, he is running away from adversity, while we’re running towards Usyk.”
The manager expressed disappointment at the former undisputed champion’s conduct.
“Usyk’s comments surprised me because I thought he was a champion who had integrity,” he told Sky Sports.
Ofo revealed that financial terms had been agreed “in principle” before the Parker fight for Wardley to challenge Usyk.
The manager added: “He had no interest in fighting Fabio Wardley.”
Usyk has instead named Deontay Wilder as his preferred opponent, describing the American as “the first option” for his next bout.
Oleksandr Usyk has been accused of ‘running away’ from a showdown with Fabio Wardley
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Usyk told Boxing King Media: “If Parker won, for me, it is interesting. If Wardley wins, for me, not interesting.”
“I say, ‘Okay, I give you [my] belt, maybe later we will fight together’.”
Despite dismissing Wardley, Usyk spoke highly of the former WBC champion Wilder.
The Ukrainian said: “He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy.”
Mike Ofo revealed that financial terms had been agreed ‘in principle’ before the Parker fight for Wardley to challenge Usyk
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PA
He added: “One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. I spoke with my team and said he is the first option.”
Ofo challenged the logic behind Usyk’s preference for Wilder, whose career has deteriorated significantly in recent years.
The American has suffered defeat in four of his last six contests, including stoppage losses to Zhilei Zhang and Tyson Fury, plus a points defeat to Parker.
Ofo said: “You want to fight Wilder who not only lost to the man you beat [Tyson Fury] but has also lost to the man who your mandatory challenger beat [Joseph Parker].”
Fabio Wardley boasts 19 knockouts from 20 victories
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He added: “We’ve sold out arenas, drew a huge crowd to a football stadium, and have built a big fanbase behind Fabio.
“Total nonsense. It was better if Usyk came out and said he was scared and doesn’t want to fight. Wilder is no risk and guaranteed reward.”
Wardley expressed bewilderment at Usyk’s choice to surrender the belt after initially requesting an extension to negotiate.
“It was a bit of a strange one, because initially he took a bit of a break. He was allowed an absence, an extension on the belt, and then to give it up just seems a bit of a strange move,” the Ipswich fighter told Sky Sports.
Oleksandr Usyk has named Deontay Wilder as his preferred opponent
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GETTYOfo remains bullish about his charge’s prospects regardless of Usyk’s decision.
“Fabio is not only the most exciting heavyweight out there, he is the most exciting fighter in boxing right now,” the manager declared.
He confirmed that Wardley, who boasts 19 knockouts from 20 victories, will make his maiden WBO title defence in early 2025.
Ofo added: “Fabio’s career is not going to be held up, this is embarrassing for boxing.”
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