Evander Holyfield and Oleksandr Usyk are part of an extremely exclusive club, as they are the only men to have managed to be undisputed in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. The former has now made his prediction regarding Usyk’s upcoming rematch with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian fought his way through what was a difficult cruiserweight division to win all four belts before moving up and beating Anthony Joshua for three heavyweight titles – the WBA, WBO and IBF.
With two defenses checked off (the ‘AJ’ rematch and the Daniel Dubois stoppage), Usyk targeted WBC champion Tyson Fury in May for the final piece of the puzzle.
He won by split decision, completing a feat he had already told Holyfield he would do, according to The Ring Magazine.
“When I met Usyk, he told me, ‘I’m going to do exactly the same thing as you, become the undisputed cruiserweight, move up to heavyweight and become the champion there. ’ I said, ‘More power to you. ’ And you know what, he did it.”
‘The Real Deal’ went on to make his prediction for this weekend’s rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, acknowledging that the Ukrainian could stop Fury – as he nearly did in their first meeting – but backing him to win once again.
“At this stage and age of his career, only the little things can change for the rematch. Usyk is a guy who throws a lot of punches. He has quicker hands and quicker reflexes. He is small and may have to take some punches to land others. He is going to do the things that are necessary to win. It all comes down to who he is as a person. Usyk is a guy who works hard all the time. I like that. I was that person too, like Usyk: when I had a job to do, I always gave it my best.
“I think Usyk can knock him out if he lands consistent punches. Fury has the height and reach and is a good boxer. He is difficult to beat. It is all about timing, connecting combinations and getting in at the right moment.
“For some reason they didn’t stop the fight in the ninth. I try not to be confrontational because I’m a fighter too. I trained to be the best. I like both of these guys. They’re both skilled and whoever wins, wins. I like Usyk. I think he’ll outpoint him.”
