By Luke Furman

Oleksandr Usyk reveals that he was no longer interested in facing Alexander Povetkin in a heavyweight fight - due to the political overtones being suggested.

Usyk and Povetkin are both Olympic gold medal winners for their respective countries.

Povetkin is from Russia, with Usyk coming from Ukraine - and the two countries have had very tense relations in the last few years.

If appears that Usyk is concerned that a fight with Povetkin will create further tension between their countries.

"The promoters talked, talked to each other. I really don’t want to box with Alexander because it will be political, not athletic, and there will be mud being slung from both sides. Because of this, I don’t want to fight him," Usyk said.

In July 2018, Usyk became the undisputed cruiserweight champion by uniting the IBF, WBA, WBO, WBC world titles by dominating Murat Gassiev over twelve rounds in the World Boxing Super Series tournament.

Later, the Ukrainian held a successful defense of the belts that November, by knocking out Tony Bellew.

Povetkin held his last fight on September 22, 2018 against Briton Anthony Joshua, and the Russian contender lost by technical knockout in the seventh round.

Usyk was due to make his heavyweight debut back in May, but suffered an injury and was forced to withdraw. He was originally being pegged to face Povetkin. The negotiations were never sorted out and he was later replaced by Carlos Takam. He is expected to make that debut before the year is out, against opponent Takam.