Heavyweight contender Mahmoud “Manuel” Charr, 36-years-old, is still motivated to secure the biggest fights possible – including the winner of a potential summer unification between world champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Charr has been out of the ring since November 2017, when he defeated Alexander Ustinov for the WBA’s “regular” heavyweight title.
In January, he became the “champion in recess” after being unable to move forward with a scheduled fight against Trevor Bryan, who won the WBA’s “regular” belt with a knockout of Bermane Stiverne.
Bryan is now under order to face Charr in the coming months – with a deadline of May 30.
“It was all very frustrating. Especially the fact of how it happened or didn’t happen. But that’s the way it is and I’m looking forward. I’m still training hard to be prepared for all future opponents,” Charr told The Sun.
“I am glad that the WBA decided that Bryan has until the end of May to fight me. My team and I will do everything we can to make sure that the same story from January doesn’t happen again. This time Don King will not get away with his shady games. And then the belt will be back where it belongs – with me!
“I am in the shape of my life. Bryan will not have a chance.”
And beyond Bryan, he wants the biggest fight possible.
“Clearly, the winner of Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury,” Charr said.
“Willpower beats talent. But both have will AND talent. I appreciate both of them very much. Both are absolute top boxers. It’s going to be a close one. To be honest, I don’t want to commit myself [on who the winner will be].”