Oleksandr Usyk is the current king of the heavyweight division.
He became undisputed champion back in May when he defeated Tyson Fury by split decision to add the WBC strap to his IBF, WBA and WBO belts.
It was a tight contest, with Fury landing some big shots resulting in plenty of close rounds, but a knockdown for Usyk in round nine proved to be the key moment.
He has since had to vacate the IBF, which is now owned by Daniel Dubois, a former foe of the Ukrainian’s after they met back in August 2023.
Dubois thought he had dropped his rival with a body shot that troubled his opponent early in the bout, but it was ruled a low blow, and Usyk then claimed a ninth round knockout win.
The fight against Dubois came after Usyk had two fights with Anthony Joshua, winning them both on points, but overcoming some tough moments where ‘AJ’ had success, especially in the second meeting.
Usyk has revealed to The 3 Knockdown Rule Podcast that his fight against Fury was the toughest, but chose another man for who hit him harder.
“Toughest fight – yes it was [Fury]. Biggest punch – no. Because Derek Chisora, very tough guy. [A punch landed] on the gloves and I said: ‘Oh my God.’ Like a baseball bat.”
Usyk fought Derek Chisora in October 2020 in what was his second fight in the banner division after moving up from cruiserweight, claiming a points win.
Next up for the Ukrainian is the rematch with Fury in December, and he’s made it known what his plans are after that showdown.
