Dereck Chisora to face Oleksandr Usyk on 31 October

Winner of the heavyweight clash is set to challenge Anthony Joshua for the WBO title

Oleksandr Usyk will face Dereck Chisora in their rescheduled heavyweight fight on 31 October.

The clash was originally scheduled for 23 May but it was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and they will instead share the ring next month, with a venue to be confirmed in due course.

Former undisputed cruiserweight king Usyk has made the step up to the heavyweight division and must overcome Chisora to remain on course for a WBO mandatory title fight with unified champion Anthony Joshua.

"I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance," said Usyk.

"I expect a real test in Dereck - he is strong, tough and resilient. He is a really big guy and he hits hard.

"As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight. I need to test myself against world-class heavyweights on my new road to undisputed and Derek stands in front of me."

Chisora said: "Usyk, I've been ready for you all year. It's my home turf and after such a tough year for everyone, I'm going to give the British public the Halloween party they deserve and finally get revenge for my boy Tony Bellew."

Usyk defeated Bellew in his final fight at cruiserweight in November 2018 to become undisputed champion. The Ukrainian, 33, won his first fight at heavyweight after stopping Chazz Witherspoon in round seven in Chicago in October 2019.

PA