“Wilder and Usyk not part of Bridgerweight division,” says Mauricio Sulaiman

By Boxing News - 11/12/2020 - Comments

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman says Deontay Wilder and Oleksandr Usyk will not immediately be part of the new Bridgerweight division.

The WBC announced that their new weight class, which will be from 200-224lbs is called ‘Bridgerweight’ inspired by Bridger Walker who saved his four-year-old sister from a wild dog attack during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was thought that a showdown between Wilder and Usyk, who are both considered as smaller heavyweights would be a natural fight for the division which aims to accommodate such fighters.

However, Sulaiman has revealed that former WBC heavyweight champion, Wilder and former undisputed cruiserweight champion and now heavyweight contender, Usyk are not part of his plans.

“Usyk is a tremendous fighter, one of the best cruiserweights in history,” Sulaiman told Pro Boxing Fans.

“He’s had two fights in heavyweight and I just leave whoever watched the fight with [Derek] Chisora just to reach their conclusions.

“Of course Usyk’s mind is in the money that will be generated in a fight with [Anthony] Joshua, as he is the mandatory contender, so it’s perfectly understandable that his mind is set to reach that goal.

“Wilder, his mind is set to have the rematch with Fury. So those two fighters even though they could qualify for Bridger, I don’t see them competing in that weight category at this moment.”

The WBC are also set to alter the Cruiserweight division from 200lbs to 190lbs and Sulaiman revealed that this will take place in the next six month to a year.

“We are eventually looking into moving it back to 190lbs,” Sulaiman added.

“When we move it to 200lbs it’s the precise same scenario of what is happening, because of the huge increment of size and weight.

“The idea is in six months or one year. [WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga] Makabu just called me, he’s preparing for his title defence at 200lbs but he’s ready to move to 190lbs, that he can do that weight, 190lbs.

“It’s a continuous effort to see what is more reasonable, but not be unjust to a fighter who has been competing in that weight.”

Sulaiman did confirm that he has held discussions with cruiserweight and heavyweights and is set to announce the initial rankings for the new Bridgerweight division in December.

“We’re talking to all cruiserweights and heavyweights.

“There’s also a good universe of fighters that have been calling to see if they can be rated in the division.

“We’re looking at maybe doing 20 fighters ratings instead of the 40 that we have in each division, but it’s all going to depend.

“Rankings are upon merit and quality and that’s something that will not be changed.

“In December, we’re going to have the rankings for Bridgerweight.”

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