By Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has raised eyebrows in the boxing world by seemingly snubbing Anthony Joshua when discussing the strengths of his British opponents. The Ukrainian fighter, known for his technical prowess and undefeated record, offered a candid assessment of the boxers he has faced, with some unexpected choices that have left fans and pundits talking.
Usyk, at 37 years old, boasts an impressive professional record of 22 wins in 22 fights across the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. His most recent triumph came against Tyson Fury, securing his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. When asked about this bout, Usyk acknowledged it as the most challenging of his career, with Fury pushing him to the final bell despite Usyk’s dominance throughout much of the fight.
In a revealing interview, Usyk was asked to name which British opponents excelled in various boxing attributes. His responses have sparked debate, particularly due to the notable absence of Anthony Joshua in several categories where many expected him to feature prominently.
Perhaps the most surprising omission came when Usyk named Derek Chisora as the hardest puncher he has faced, overlooking Joshua, who is widely regarded for his knockout power. This choice has left many in the boxing community questioning Usyk’s assessment, given Joshua’s reputation as one of the most formidable punchers in the heavyweight division.
The snubs didn’t end there. When it came to speed, another attribute many associate with Joshua, Usyk again looked elsewhere. He awarded this distinction to Tony Bellew, also crediting the Liverpudlian with having the best footwork among his British opponents.
Tyson Fury, despite losing to Usyk in their recent clash, didn’t leave empty-handed in the Ukrainian’s assessment. Usyk praised Fury for having the best defense of any boxer he has faced, as well as the best boxing IQ. This acknowledgment of Fury’s skills, even in defeat, speaks to the respect Usyk holds for the ‘Gypsy King’s’ abilities.
In a small consolation for Joshua, Usyk did not name him as his easiest fight. That dubious honor went to Joe Joyce, whom Usyk defeated before turning professional. This decision at least spares Joshua from what would have been a particularly stinging criticism.
The boxing world is now abuzz with speculation about the reasons behind Usyk’s apparent snub of Joshua. Some wonder if it’s a reflection of their two previous encounters, both of which Usyk won, or if there’s a deeper strategy at play in the always-complex world of heavyweight boxing politics.
Adding intrigue to the situation, SunSport reports that Usyk is expected to attend the upcoming bout between two of his former opponents, Derek Chisora and Joe Joyce. The presence of Tyson Fury at this event is also anticipated, potentially setting the stage for a face-to-face encounter between Usyk and Fury for the first time since their May fight.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, Usyk’s comments serve as a reminder of the subjective nature of boxing assessments and the complex relationships between fighters at the top of the sport. Whether these remarks will influence future matchups or alter the perception of fighters like Anthony Joshua remains to be seen, but they have certainly added another layer of intrigue to the already captivating world of heavyweight boxing.
