OLEKSANDR Usyk is so versatile that, almost in the same breath, he can be likened to both Evander Holyfield and ‘a rabbit.’
Tyson Fury, of course, would often refer to his rival as the latter, but that was more an attempt to poke fun at the Ukrainian’s appearance – highlighting the gap between his two front teeth – rather than an effort to compliment his style in the ring.
For Lennox Lewis’ money, though, ‘a rabbit’ offers an apt reflection of Usyk’s movement, which, much like the fluffy animal, remains razor-sharp and remarkably elusive.
Even now, it seems, the 38-year-old has hardly lost a spring in his step, as his dynamic footwork, in particular, continues to threaten Father Time’s unbeaten record.
But despite that, Daniel Dubois is nonetheless looking to accelerate his opponent’s retirement plans and, more devastating still, scupper his ambition to become a three-time undisputed champion.
Usyk, 23-0 (14 KOs), became the first-ever four-belt heavyweight king after dethroning Fury last year. Prior to that, it was Lewis who held all the titles following his points victory over Holyfield in 1999.
Like Usyk, Holyfield had jumped up from cruiserweight and, due to his speed and technical prowess, represented a slightly unfamiliar challenge for Lewis.
Yet in response, ‘The Lion’ simply utilised his superior attributes – more specifically, his natural physical advantages – and, in doing so, was able to emerge victorious.
A similar story could, indeed, unfold at Wembley Stadium, London, later this evening, with IBF world champion Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), hoping to avenge his ninth-round stoppage defeat to Usyk in 2023.
“Oleksandr Usyk has a very high ring IQ, but he’s not a natural heavyweight; he’s a built-up heavyweight,” Lewis told Boxing News, among other media members.
“Daniel is a natural heavyweight and can use that to his advantage, especially in the opening few rounds, and push Usyk to the ropes.
“I used to call Usyk a rabbit, because he jumps around, but you can’t allow him to do that. [Dubois] needs to [apply pressure] with his feet, push him back to the ropes and make sure that he is first and last with his combinations.
“When I boxed Evander Holyfield, I said to myself, ‘this guy’s technically good; he throws a lot of punches. I’ve got to be better than him.’ ”
Sure enough, Lewis was presented with several hurdles against Holyfield, but he ultimately overcame each one by disrupting his opponent’s rhythm, mostly with greater volume, through their 24 rounds.
“The smaller fighters are usually more technically sound, and Evander Holyfield, as a heavyweight, had three different [types of] defences,” Lewis continued.
“He was the best guy coming out of America so, for me to go and beat him, I had to study him.
“I’d say to myself, ‘I have to throw more punches than him; I have to win as many rounds as possible.”
Should he employ similar tactics, then Dubois is likely to have greater success – from Lewis’ perspective, that is – against the pure boxing skills of Usyk.
That is not to say a stoppage victory is his only hope, but more that the 27-year-old cannot afford to play his masterful opponent’s game.
“The fight is won on work,” Lewis opined. “Seeing Tyson Fury in his last fight [against Usyk], it was a little disappointing for me because I didn’t think he did enough work to win; he was more doing the work to survive.
“Daniel has to do the work, win the rounds, and then a knockout is the cherry on top.”
