Heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) will finally face British favorite Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) on October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US, after their original May 23 date was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Derek Chisora: “Helllllo, Usyk, I’m ready for you, helllllo Usyk! Usyk, I’ve been ready for you all year. It’s my home turf and after such a tough year for everyone, I’m going to give the British public the Halloween party they deserve and finally get revenge for my boy Tony Bellew!”
Oleksandr Usyk: “I have really missed boxing. I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on October 31. I expect a real test in Derek – he is strong, tough and resilient. He is a really big guy and he hits hard.
“As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight. I need to test myself against world class heavyweights on my new road to undisputed and Derek stands in front of me.
“Many people say that Derek is a monster, but deep down he is a kind man. I don’t expect to see that good side of him. I know that he wants to break me, but I am water, wind and fire all together. Derek Chisora, I am coming for you!”
Chisora is gonna look for an upset, Uzyk has all the tools to win this fight by decision or middle to late rounds stoppage. Not underestimating Chisora because he has good punching power and isn’t afraid to mix it up. Should be an exciting fight on Halloween night..
Chisora is war tested fighter that has faced many good fighters, and many different styles, but Usyk might bring to the table somenthing never seen before by him. For sure Chisora will do what he knows better, fight with intensity and no fear, but won’t be enough, Usyk’s skills will prevail by late stoppage or UD.
OK Chisora, that’s some bold trash talking so make sure you support it with a solid victory. Otherwise, your trash talking will turn into ‘Jaws’ and bite you in the a*s.
Chisora is basically a “good test” for Usyk as a heavyweight (HW). Usyk’s team will view Chisora as a measuring device to see how a true HW can deliver a fight as compared to the smaller cruiserweights. Usyk could simply out box Chisora and win on points since speed makes a remarkable difference. However, I am not yet convinced Usyk can go toe-to-toe with a Fury, Joshua, or even a Wilder yet since Usyk tends to arm punch and move straight-in on his opponents in the later rounds of a fight like he did as a cruiserweight. A bigger harder puncher will take full advantage of that vulnerable habit if he does not improve on the flaw. Yes, it’s my opinion.
Yep. Can’t see Usyk going to to toe. Maybe later in the fight when Chisora is worn down and tired.
Good matchmaking to get a win for Usyk but doesn’t do much for his career except answer a few questions. Chisora is too slow, old, and isn’t strong or skilled enough to make up the difference. Usyk is being ushered to a title shot through ez street.
There are 2 unknowns going into this
1- How good is Usyk at the weight
2 – Which version of Chisora turns up
1. If Usyk is not good at this weight, there is going to be a lot of running. Which I think is going to happen anyhow in the early rounds while Chisora is still fresh.
2. If the real Chisora turns up this is going to be interesting while it lasts.
Power versus pain – ice versus fire… The question remains is it better to be a good big guy or a great small guy.
Step it up Usyk.
Disapointing that the best opponent they can come up with, is a higher level journeyman
Don’t agree. Derek is a great acid test for the HW division. He’ll apply pressure for as long as he’s vertical, and at the very least he’ll go down fighting hard.
Easy fight though
I dont think Chisora is quick enough to land on Usyk. Usyk mid to late stoppage i think.
Finally!!
This is a going to be a tear up!!
I lime Chisora. Dude will fight anyone
*like