Oleksandr Usyk to make heavyweight debut against Carlos Takam on May 25 in Maryland
The cruiserweight king makes his long-anticipated step up as he chases fights with Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury
CRUISERWEIGHT star Oleksandr Usyk will make his heavyweight debut against Carlos Takam on May 25.
The Ukrainian star, rated as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, will face the hard-headed Cameroonian in MGM National Harbour in Maryland.
The southpaw won Olympic gold at London 2012 and is undefeated in 16 pro fights, picking up memorable wins against Marco Huck, Murat Gassiev and an eighth round KO of Tony Bellew last November.
The 32-year-old said: "May 25 marks a major moment in my career when I move to the heavyweight division.
"At cruiserweight I did it all and became the undisputed champion and that is my goal now in the heavyweights.
"This is the ultimate challenge and it begins on May 25 against Carlos Takam.
"It’s a tough first fight but I need to test myself against World class opposition on my new road to undisputed."
Takam said he is ready to welcome Usyk to the "new world" of the heavyweight division.
"Usyk has achieved everything in the cruiserweight division – I am ready to welcome him to the new world of heavyweight boxing," said Takam, who beat Senadh Gashi in December after consecutive defeats by Anthony Joshua and Dereck Chisora.
"I can promise that this will be a great fight and I will provide Usyk with a huge test on his Heavyweight debut. I have huge ambitions of my own in the division and this fight will provide me with the chance to prove that."
Usyk’s promoter Eddie Hearn says Usyk is taking a daring leap into the heavyweight division.
"The time has come for the ultimate challenge for Oleksandr Usyk," the Matchroom chief said.
MOST READ IN SPORT
"This pound-for-pound star had dominated the cruiserweight division becoming undisputed champion after just 15 fights. Now he takes the daring leap to the land of the giants as he attempt to repeat his achievements in the heavyweight division.
"Takam is the perfect test for the Heavyweight debut.
"A big strong, all action fighter who will welcome Usyk into the fold with a heavy arsenal – be ready for fireworks on May 25."
