Drozd: "I would have defeated Usyk"

Former cruiserweight champion Grigory Drozd believes that in 2016 he could defeat Oleksandr Usyk.

“I think we are very similar - both in style, and in boxing philosophy, and in manner. It would be interesting. For me, it would be a direct challenge. I would have defeated him. I think in 2016 I was in a very serious shape. Perhaps in the best shape ever. I know what I would offer him. You can find keys, moves for any athlete.

"Obviously, Sasha does not like pressing, dirt, mess. It is evident that he is an esthete. Usyk knows how to increase the pace, to escalate, as he did, for example, with Briedis, but in some places he does not really like collective farm boxing.

"To box with Usyk is to immediately give up all the advantage, all the belts. You don't have to box with him. To box with Usyk is a deep delusion. Anthony Joshua tried to play boxer with him, but Usyk had to be fought, a war was needed with him. It was necessary to hit not in the head, but on the shoulders, in the chest - just start gloating and look for your episodes in moments. And just to box and be beautiful against Usyk is crazy. Who can be better than Usyk?" Drozd said.