Oleksandr Usyk, the two-weight undisputed champion, has named Derek Chisora as his toughest opponent in the heavyweight division. This revelation comes as a surprise, considering Usyk's recent battles with Tyson Fury.
Usyk's journey to the top of the heavyweight ranks has been impressive. After winning multiple amateur accolades, including a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, he turned pro and quickly became the undisputed cruiserweight champion by 2018.
His move to heavyweight saw him face Chaz Witherspoon in his debut. But it was his fight against Derek Chisora in 2020 that really tested him. Usyk won by unanimous decision, but he now says it was his hardest fight.
In a recent interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Usyk stated:
"I think it is Derek. My friend Derek. Hey, Derek I am coming for you! Derek is a terrible guy, really tough. It's just hard [fighting] Derek. He was just very difficult."
This statement is surprising, given Usyk's subsequent victories. He beat Anthony Joshua twice on points to claim the heavyweight titles. He then stopped Daniel Dubois in 9 rounds after a controversial low blow knockdown. Most recently, he outpointed Tyson Fury twice to become the undisputed heavyweight champion and send Fury into temporary retirement.
Usyk's accomplishment of becoming a two-weight undisputed champion puts him in elite company alongside Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue.
Chisora, known for his thrilling career of ups and downs, recently scored a late KO victory over Otto Wallin in his 49th fight. He's now looking for his 50th and final opponent later this year.
Some boxing experts believe Chisora laid the blueprint for challenging Usyk in the heavyweight division. However, a rematch between the two seems unlikely, despite Chisora's callout for his 50th fight.
Usyk is now waiting to challenge for undisputed honors against the winner of the upcoming IBF title fight between Dubois and Parker. His statement about Chisora being his toughest opponent adds an interesting twist to his impressive heavyweight journey.
