Evander Holyfield thinks Oleksandr Usyk is one of the best heavyweight boxers ever. The former champion puts Usyk in his top three all-time greats.
Holyfield knows a thing or two about being great. He was the undisputed champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions during his 27-year career. He's one of only two fighters to achieve this feat.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Holyfield explained why he rates Usyk so highly:
"Usyk's definitely got to be one of the top three. He's always in shape, he don't make no excuses and you know, he works hard. That's what life is all about, this is what you try to tell the fighters, you get a good win and you're 22 and 0."
Holyfield's career was full of big moments. He stopped Mike Tyson in the 11th round to win the WBA heavyweight title in November 1996. He then unified the WBA and IBF titles by beating Michael Moorer in 1997. His reign ended in 1999 when he lost to Lennox Lewis in a rematch after their first bout ended in a draw.
Usyk's achievements back up Holyfield's high opinion. The Ukrainian became the undisputed cruiserweight champion before moving up to heavyweight. He then became the undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era by beating Tyson Fury in a split decision last May.
Usyk solidified his status with a unanimous decision win over Fury in their rematch on December 21. He kept his WBC, WBA, and WBO titles but had to give up the IBF belt last summer. Daniel Dubois was then made the full IBF champion.
Usyk's work ethic and achievements have clearly impressed Holyfield. The former champ's endorsement puts Usyk in elite company among the greatest heavyweights of all time.
