Sky Sports Executive Producer and Host Adam Smith
interview for the British media commented on the possible conclusion of a contract with the unified champion of the heavyweight division (over 90.7 kg) from Ukraine Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs).
Recall that Sky Sports is the main broadcaster of boxing in the UK. The TV channel broadcast on the territory of Foggy Albion all fights – including all PPV – of ex-unified champion Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs), with whom he had an exclusive contract. At this time, the channel also acts as a promoter and signs contracts with fighters.
Usyk has been boxing on Sky for a long time. Now people are talking about his fight against Tyson Fury. Would you be interested in working with Usyk again to bring him back to the Sky platform?
Of course we are interested. Oleksandr Usyk has been a big part of the channel for the last four or five years. Joshua has been around longer and we would love to continue with Joshua, but we know he signed with DAZN. But it is obvious that we are looking towards working with Usyk’s team.
Of course, we want to work with Oleksandr Usyk. He’s a fantastic fighter, he’s a wonderful role model. Look at what he did and how he represented his country, which went through such a difficult and dramatic year. Our hearts are with them. It was a ray of light for them. He was a beacon of hope. I know that he has now returned to Ukraine, and I think it’s wonderful. Of course, we will sit down at the negotiating table with Usyk’s team and hopefully we will be able to work with him again.
- Fury thrashed Usyk. Calls to fight in December – video
– So there have been no discussions with Usyk’s team so far?
— I believe that now is the time for his team to return to Ukraine. Alexander wanted to return there with his fund. Of course, there will be negotiations. I am in touch with Aegis (Klimas) and Alex (Krasyuk), as well as with the people of Joshua and Wilder. Even if we have not signed contracts with them, we always communicate, and it is obvious that Usyk’s team will bargain. I mean, now they have a prize position. They rightfully should do it. I think they like Sky and I think they like our position and everything we’ve done for Alexander over the years. Just like what we did for Joshua. I think they saw it, so why not continue negotiations in the future. We have a very good relationship with Usyk’s team and I’m looking forward to negotiations.
