Skill Challenge Promotions have recently announced the signing of heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The Saudi Arabian-based promoters confirmed this news today, making Usyk the latest addition to their team alongside cruiserweight Badou Jack who is also with SCEE.
On August 26, in Wroclaw, Poland, the 36-year-old is set to defend his belts against Daniel Dubois, a fighter from Britain. At first, the fight was scheduled for August 12, but was rescheduled to August 26 to coincide with Ukraine’s Independence Day.
SCEE was created by His Highness Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and organized fights in the Middle East, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz II and Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II.
Today’s announcement has caused a lot of speculation regarding a potential heavyweight card in the Middle East later this year. Fans are hopeful for an Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury fight and Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder fight.
While his achievements are not exclusively based on the heavyweight division, Usyk’s career started in the cruiserweight division, beginning with his professional debut on November 9, 2013, against Felipe Romero. On July 2018, he earned the title of the best cruiserweight in the world, holding all four belts, and became one of the elite pound-for-pound fighters. Four months later, he knocked out Tony Bellew, and his journey to the heavyweight championship began.
On his way to heavyweight glory, Usyk fought Anthony Joshua and won over 12 rounds, out-boxing the British fighter. Their rematch in Jeddah last year was closer, but Usyk still managed to take the split decision.