Former undisputed world cruiserweight champion – Oleksandr Usyk (16-) said that he’s no longer interested in facing former world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (34-2) because off political overtones.
Both boxers are also former Olympic gold medalist for their respective countries – Usyk for Ukraine and Povetkin for Russia.
In the last few years, the relations between the two eastern Europe countries are very tense and the 32-years-old Usyk believes that a potential bout between him and Povetkin will do no good.
“The promoters talked, talked to each other. I really don’t want to box with Alexander because it will be political, not athletic, and there will be mud being slung from both sides. Because of this, I don’t want to fight him,” Usyk stated.
Meanwhile, Povetkin is yet to announce his next bout. The Russian last fought Anthony Joshua in September 2018.