By Joe Brophy

OLEKSANDR USYK has been made WBO mandatory challenger for the winner of Anthony Joshua’s title rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr… despite never fighting at heavyweight.

The Ukrainian, the former undisputed world cruiserweight champion, was forced to pull out of his debut in the division last month after suffering an injury.

However, the “super champion” is eligible to move up and become mandatory challengers under WBO rules due to their dominance in the division below.

Dillain Whyte has spent 600 days ranked No 1 with the governing body but he has now been overlooked for the title shot once again.

AJ was shot down by 19st outsider Ruiz in New York on June 1, losing his WBA, IBF and WBO belts.

But the 2012 Olympic Gold medalist will dive straight back into a rematch against the Mexican at the end of the year.

Before Joshua, 29, was shocked by Ruiz, he had insisted he is “100 per cent” willing to risk fighting Usyk before Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury.

Speaking to IFL TV, he said: “100 per cent, I’d be down for that. I never thought of vacating a belt.