Oleksandr Usyk has fought and beat five Brits in the last six years.
The elite Ukrainian defended all four cruiserweight belts against Tony Bellew in Manchester in late 2018, winning by knockout in the eighth. It would be Bellew’s farewell from the sport and Usyk’s last fight at the 200lbs limit.
Derek Chisora came next, the heavyweight stalwart doing a good job of pressuring Usyk and showing him the difference the heavyweight division brings. It was unanimous decision win.
Usyk then beat Anthony Joshua twice, once at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to win his three titles and then in Saudi Arabia to defend them.
The 37-year-old southpaw then gave young Daniel Dubois a shot in Poland, stopping him in the ninth after suffering a controversial low blow.
Finally, Tyson Fury put his WBC belt against Usyk’s IBF, WBO and WBA this year to crown the first undisputed champion in the division since the days of Lennox Lewis. Usyk took it by split decision.
Speaking to the 3 Knockdown Rule podcast, the Ukrainian was asked who hit the hardest. He didn’t hesitate to pick Chisora.
“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.’”
It’s an interesting answer given that Joshua and Dubois face off on September 21 this year for the IBF belt – now Dubois’ after Usyk vacated.
