Report: Usyk to make heavyweight debut Oct. 12 vs. Takam
Former undisputed cruiserweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk will make his heavyweight debut against Carlos Takam on Oct. 12 in Chicago, sources told ESPN's Dan Rafael.
Usyk was initially slated to fight Takam on May 25 but the fight was called off after the champion suffered a biceps injury while training.
The 32-year-old Ukrainian is already a mandatory challenger for the winner of the heavyweight title rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua, who are expected to meet again in December. Despite never having fought as a heavyweight, Usyk was decided to be the next challenger by the WBO because he held the organization's cruiserweight title.
October's fight will be streamed as a Matchroom Boxing promoted card on DAZN.
Usyk (16-0) last fought in November when he knocked out Tony Bellew in the eighth round.
Takam (36-5-1) is coming off a knockout win over Senad Gashi in December. He previously lost his last two bouts against Dereck Chisora and Joshua.