Oleksandr Usyk stands tall as the world's top heavyweight boxer. The 37-year-old Ukrainian fighter cemented his place at the summit of the division with a thrilling victory over Tyson Fury in May.
Usyk's win over Fury wasn't just any victory. It made him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis nearly 25 years ago. The fight itself was a back-and-forth battle, with Usyk landing a decisive blow in the ninth round that left Fury struggling to stay on his feet. In the end, Usyk won by decision.
The victory solidified Usyk's status as the best in the division, adding to his already impressive resume as a former cruiserweight champion.
Fury, known as "The Gypsy King," came into the fight undefeated. He's now activated the rematch clause, setting up another showdown with Usyk on December 21 in Saudi Arabia.
Tony Bellew, a former Usyk opponent, shared his thoughts on the Ukrainian champion during an episode of the Club Bellew podcast, hosted by Eddie Hearn.
"Was it not alarm bells ringing when he said how hard camp was and they said who beats Oleksandr Usyk, and it's mad cause he's repeating the words I'm saying, but he said the only person beats who beats him is him."
Bellew believes Usyk's greatest opponent is himself. He predicts the rematch will end in a repeat win for Usyk rather than revenge for Fury.
The former cruiserweight champion also praised Usyk's growing legacy in the sport:
"Oleksandr Usyk. What a guy, what a man. The greatest cruiserweight, and let me tell you he'll go down as one of the greatest heavyweights as well."
Despite his glowing assessment of Usyk, Bellew didn't completely write off Fury's chances in the rematch:
"Based on the last performance, no, you can't make a call for that. But has he got a chance? 100%."
As December 21 approaches, all eyes will be on Saudi Arabia to see if Usyk can maintain his position at the top of the heavyweight division or if Fury can reclaim his undefeated status.