Can Oleksandr Usyk go on to beat the top heavyweights?

Darren Barker
Former IBF champion

Yes I believe he can beat the top heavyweights. Saying that I would favour both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to beat him but, and it’s a big but, Oleksandr Usyk definitely has the speed and movement to cause an upset.

Jon Thaxton
Former EBU champion

I think he’s got the skill but not the size. I think someone like Joshua would be too big and too strong. Someone like Fury too long for him and too awkward and keep him at distance. Dillian Whyte, Daniel Dubois, very good fights. They’re big, strong heavyweights, we’ll see how he holds up with them.

Stacey Copeland
Commonwealth champion

I think it’s hard to say as Usyk is so talented and such an intelligent fighter but the sheer natural weight and power of true heavy weights is obviously a major factor. I don’t think Saturday’s fight confirmed anything so of course it’s possible he could beat the top heavyweights but by no means certain.

Paul Edwards
Former British champion

Do I think he will? No. Do I think he can? Yes. He is one of the best boxers I’ve ever seen, so I do think he can beat them but I don’t think he will. I think he needs another fight or two. I think now Joshua or Fury would beat him.

Andy Clarke
Commentator and analyst

On the basis of last Saturday I’d say Fury and Joshua would both beat Usyk. But next time we see Usyk he’ll be better than he was on Saturday. He’ll have learnt a lot against Chisora so for me the jury is still out.

Listen to Boxing News’ heavyweight podcast here

Share Page