Oleksandr Usyk doesn’t seem to be doing himself any favors when it comes to fan backing amid his latest injury setback.
Expected to remain sidelined for the remainder of the year, undisputed heavyweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk is dealing with a niggling back injury in the wake of his knockout win over Daniel Dubois earlier this summer.
And receiving an order from the WBO to fight their mandatory challenger in his return, Usyk has been linked heavily with a clash against current interim champion Joseph Parker, who is now booked to fight Fabio Wardley next month.
However, with new footage of the Ukrainian playing in a charity soccer match, the Olympian has come under distinct fire once more.
- LATEST NEWS — Oleksandr Usyk hit with major demand from boxing personality amid heavyweight title absence
Fans rip Oleksandr Usyk over charity soccer match appearance
Receiving his extension from the governing body to negotiate a title fight return against either Parker or Wardley, Usyk initially came under fire from fans after footage emerged of him dancing in his home country despite his back injury.
And this week, the Ukrainian star did little to fight back at naysayers, featuring in a charity soccer match against a team of Portuguese legends.
“Strip him of the belts right now,” A user on X tweeted after footage of Usyk replacing Henrik Larsson emerged on social media.
A second user also questioned the legitimacy of Usyk’s injury setback, posting, “Is this recent? I thought he was injured.”
A third commenter even suggested the former cruiserweight star was “ducking” a fight with Kiwi star Parker, writing, “Thought he was injured n (sic) can’t fight Parker, he’s ducking him.”
Another user even tagged the official WBO page on X as well as the governing body’s president, once more urging them to strip Usyk of his undisputed status. “@WorldBoxingOrg @OlivieriLaw HW champion of the world faking injury. Should be stripped of the title, and Parker should be fighting for the championship.”
Finally, another commentor echoed questions over the status of Usyk’s injury, suggesting the WBO is now in a difficult predicament. “This is not helping when it comes to the WBO asking about Usyk’s health.”
Oleksandr Usyk urged to skirt Joseph Parker showdown
Still expected to honor his mandatory order from the WBO and fight either Parker or Ipswich native Wardley in his immediate return to the ring, Usyk has been urged to weigh up his future, too, however.
As far as Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is concerned, Usyk should consider his “motivation” for taking a fight with the above-mentioned duo, particularly as a rising contender emerges as a potential threat to his undisputed throne.