By Igor Lazorin, tass
As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Oleksandr Usyk (10-0, 9 KOs) was hunting for a viable opponent for an undercard position on the upcoming event featuring a light heavyweight battle between Bernard Hopkins and Joe Smith Jr. - which takes place on December 17 at the legendary Froum in Inglewood, California, USA.
Alexey Sukachev reported that Damir Beljo (22-0, 18 KOs) of Bosnia and Herzegovina had withdrawn from the proposed fight. But a new opponent has come in. South African slugger Thabiso Mchunu has signed a contract to take the fight, according to promoter Alexander Krasyuk of K2 Ukraine.
"Mchunu has signed a contract to fight," said Krasyuk.
Usyk captured the WBO cruiserweight title in September, when he traveled to Poland to secure a memorable twelve round decision win over previously undefeated Pole Krzysztof Glowacki.
Usyk, 29-years-old and a 2012 London gold medalist, is really looking forward to his American debut.
Beljo, 32, cited insufficient time to prepare as his main reason to withdraw.
“Five days ago I got to know [about this fight]. I had just a month and twenty days to get ready. I haven’t been training for a month, and I’m out of shape. I don’t have enough time to get fit and to improve my athletic attributes," Beljo said.
“WBO doesn’t deserves this [me getting into the title fight unprepared]. Imagine I’m literally dying in round four or five after being gassed out, being unable to catch my breath. I have been given a chance, and big money is at stake – I realize this – but I’d say no. In this shape I cannot afford to fight for one of the world’s most prestigious titles," concluded Beljo.
