Oleksandr Usyk Names The ‘Dangerous’ Fighter Who Hit Him Harder Than Joshua, Fury And Dubois
Oleksandr Usyk has beaten five Brits in the last seven years, four in the heavyweight ranks including the nation’s best in Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois.
Usyk first visited these shores to defend his undisputed cruiserweight belts against Tony Bellew, stopping the challenger inside eight rounds before deciding up was time to move up to the heavyweight ranks.
After a warm-up against Chazz Witherspoon, Usyk was tested by Derek Chisora, weathering an early storm to win a unanimous decision and set up a shot at Anthony Joshua’s unified titles. The Ukrainian beat ‘AJ’ twice in a row, winning then retaining the belts.
He then made a defence against Daniel Dubois, which included a controversial low blow that saw the champion down and recovering for minutes before rising to stop the 27-year-old Brit in the ninth.
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Most recently, Usyk did the double over Tyson Fury, taking everything ‘The Gypsy King’ could throw to win by split decision and become undisputed. He would win unanimously in their rematch.
In an interview with the 3 Knockdown Rule, he called the Morecambe man his hardest fight, but was clear that Chisora hit him harder than all others.
“Listen, I have respect for Tyson Fury. A fighter, a great man, but my opponent. Very hard man. Very smart … [Hardest fight] I think yes. Punch? I think no. Derek Chisora. Very tough guy. Derek – right hand, left hand, I’d like block… ‘Oh my God! Oh move Alex, this is dangerous.’”
Usyk has described the punch of the heavyweight veteran as ‘a baseball bat.’ Chisora has been competing professionally since 2007 but is currently enjoying somewhat of an Indian Summer as he makes his way towards 50 fights before finally hanging up the gloves
He lost twice to Joseph Parker after the Usyk defeat before beating Kubrat Pulev and challenging for Fury’s then WBC belt in a trilogy that he lost to make it 3-0 to ‘The Gypsy King.’
His most recent wins over Gerald Washington and particularly Joe Joyce, however, have seen fans enjoying this farewell tour slightly more. Next up is Otto Wallin on February 8 in Manchester – number 49.
