Oleksandr Usyk has written his name into boxing history after defeating Tyson Fury for the second time.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian superstar has won everything there is to win in the sport, holding the undisputed championship at cruiserweight and heavyweight throughout his illustrious career.
It took him just fifteen fights to become undisputed king at cruiserweight, defeating Murat Gassiev in the final of the World Boxing Super Series in Russia.
Then in May 2024, Usyk challenged ‘The Gypsy King’ in the first undisputed heavyweight contest in the ‘four belt era’, beating the Brit on points in an extremely close fight in Riyadh. The heavyweight stars clashed for the second time on December 21, with the Ukrainian securing another historic over his rival, albeit for just three of the four heavyweight titles.
Usyk has faced a number of hard-hitting heavyweight during his campaign in boxing’s top division, including the likes of Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois and Derek Chisora.
In an episode of the 3 Knockdown Rule podcast, the 37-year-old named Chisora as the fighter who has hit him the hardest, whilst naming Fury as the opponent who has given him his toughest test to date.
“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.’”
‘War’ Chisora pushed Usyk all the way when they clashed in 2020, with the British veteran providing the Ukrainian his first real test at heavyweight. The 41-year-old has been a household name in the heavyweight division for many years, challenging for the world title twice but falling short on both occasions.
Chisora returns to the ring on February 8 against Otto Wallin in Manchester.
