Nelson Hysa, only two places below Anthony Joshua in the heavyweight rankings if one trusts the WBA, has been added to the Moses Itauma-Filip Hrgovic event on August 29.
The 41-year-old is untested but unbeaten, ranked sixth by the WBA and 11th by the WBO, and takes on Norway’s equally protected Thomas Narmo in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds at London, England’s O2 Arena.
Hysa, 24-0 (22 KOs), was rumored to be in the running to take on Tyson Fury before the comebacking “Gypsy King” settled on 46-year-old Mariusz Wach for his stay-busy bout in July.
Narmo, 14-0 (14 KOs), is 32 years old and based in Germany. The most recognizable name on his record is 44-year-old Mark de Mori, who Hysa stopped in four rounds in February, 10 years after the returning David Haye steamrolled him in a round.
The winner of the contest, which is for Hysa’s WBO global trinket, could see themselves rise significantly in the ratings during a time of change in the banner division.
Itauma-Hrgovic is for the vacant IBF title, the last belt to be decided following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish three of the major belts.
Hysa is ready to make his move.
“For my homeland,” he is quoted as saying in the media release. “For the red and black flag. For every Albanian who carries our history, our pride and our fighting spirit in their heart.
“Whenever Albanians have been put to the test, we have shown the world what we are made of. We don’t run. We don’t surrender. We fight.
“On August 29, I walk into the O2 Arena, London, carrying Albania on my shoulders and millions of Albanian hearts behind me.
“To every Albanian in London, Birmingham, Manchester and across the UK — this is your invitation. I’m back.”
Hysa last fought in October, beating Abel Pesut in three rounds.
