Oleksandr Usyk cemented himself as the best heavyweight of a generation with his second win over Tyson Fury.
The pair initially met back in May, stepping through the ropes to crown an undisputed champion in the division for the first time since the days of Lennox Lewis. Usyk came out on top via split decision after seriously wobbling Fury in the ninth.
His latest victory adds to a heavyweight resume that includes a win over Derek Chisora, back-to-back beatings of Anthony Joshua and a stoppage against Daniel Dubois. At the post-fight press conference, the Ukrainian was asked if there was any heavyweight in history that could not beat. He said:
“Yeah. It’s Oleksandr Usyk.”
The confidence was clearly oozing from the future Hall of Famer, whose usual modesty saw him earlier in the week not even name himself on the best pound-for-pound for list. Doing a double over the man most considered to be the best heavyweight of this era may do that.
Usyk’s answer backs up words from famed trainer and analyst Teddy Atlas, who recently said that the only thing that can beat him is Father Time.
At 37-years-old, many feel the elite southpaw – who was an Olympic Gold Medalist and also undisputed at cruiserweight – should now consider hanging up the gloves before that happens. Post Fury fight, new IBF Champion Dubois entered the ring to demand a rematch. Usyk said yes, but it may not be a risk worth taking.
As for the rest of the heavyweight division, fans now expect Fury and Joshua to enter talks for a long-awaited and over-marinated battle of Britain.
