There weren’t many people expecting it but it makes all the sense in the world.

Aleksandr Usyk, the undisputed cruiserweight champion, has teamed up with Matchroom Boxing alongside K2 Promotions and his next fight will be broadcast live on DAZN and Sky Sports.

The Ukrainian star consolidated Ring Magazine, IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles when he scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Murat Gassiev in July. The victory also saw the former Olympic champion win the inaugural WBSS and, with it, the Muhammad Ali trophy.

Immediately after that victory, Usyk called out former WBC titleholder Tony Bellew and he is hopeful of defending all of his belts against the Englishman in a blockbuster showdown in the U.K. later this year.

Southpaw Usyk has also spoken of his desire to storm the heavyweight division and has mentioned unified champion Anthony Joshua as a possible future opponent.

“I’m thrilled that K2 Promotions will be working with Matchroom Boxing moving forward to secure me the biggest fights out there,” said Usyk (15-0, 11 knockouts). “Fans can look forward to watching me take on the biggest and best names in the sport. Boxing for me is all about drama and victory, and there is plenty more to come. A fight with Tony Bellew would be a momentous occasion. He is a good boxer and a good person and I also have the option to move into the heavyweight division.

“Thankfully, England is more than just a country for me. In this country I got what I was reaching for half of my life, I got my Olympic gold medal, and in Liverpool I became European Champion in 2008. England is a lucky country for me and fortune comes only with hard work.”

“I’m delighted to be working with Aleksandr Usyk and K2 in bringing a pound-for-pound star to the Matchroom team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Usyk holds all the cards at Cruiserweight and is already eyeing a move to heavyweight and, in particular, a fight with Anthony Joshua. Right now our priority is to try and finalize a super fight with Tony Bellew later this year, but either way we will announce his next fight in the very near future.”

Alex Krassyuk of K2 Promotions said, “I am delighted to start our cooperation with Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn whom I consider to be the most successful promoter of the present time.”

“In his 15 fights to date, (Usyk) has created history by becoming the first cruiserweight to unify all four belts and there is more history to be made. He knows that in order to become the king of world boxing, he will have to dethrone the biggest name in boxing, Anthony Joshua.

“But this is for the future. For now, a cruiserweight showdown with Tony Bellew is our focus. We are hoping the deal will be finalized shortly and the fight will be announced soon.”

Quotes courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.

Tom Gray is Associate Editor for Ring Magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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