Former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk officially making his heavyweight debut on May 25, a pair of other heavyweight contenders are set to fight on the undercard.
According to Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who spoke to ESPN, Michael Hunter and Filip Hrgovic will have separate fights on the event, set to take place at the MGM National Harbor in Oxen Hill, Maryland. The card will be streamed on DAZN in the United States.
Ever since Hunter unsuccessfully challenged for Usyk's WBO cruiserweight title in 2017, he has made the transition to heavyweight where he has emerged as a rising contender. Hunter is now on a four-fight win streak with his last three wins coming from inside the distance. The once-beaten Hunter has won the IBO Intercontinental and WBA International heavyweight titles during this win streak and is ranked in the top 15 by both the WBA and IBF.
Hrgovic has won all seven of his pro bouts and is one of the fastest-rising heavyweights in the world today. Hrgovic, the current WBC International heavyweight champion, is also ranked in the top 15 by the WBA and IBF and his upcoming fight would be the first since signing a co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.
The event will be headlined by Usyk's first step into the heavyweight ranks. Usyk will fight former world title challenger Carlos Takam and the bout will also mark Usyk's third in the United States as a pro. Usyk became the undisputed cruiserweight champion by defeating Murat Gassiev to win the World Boxing Super Series.
