Evander Holyfield and Oleksandr Usyk sit in an extremely exclusive club as the only men to become undisputed at both cruiser and heavyweight. The former has now made his prediction for Usyk’s upcoming rematch with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian worked his way through what was a tough 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 defences ticked off – the ‘AJ’ rematch and a stoppage of Daniel Dubois – Usyk targeted WBC Champion Tyson Fury back in May for the final piece of the puzzle.
He ran out a split decision winner, completing a feat he had already told Holyfield he would, as per The Ring Magazine.
“When I met Usyk, he told me, ‘I’m going to do exactly the same thing you did by becoming undisputed cruiserweight and go 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, recognising that the Ukrainian could stop Fury, as he almost did in their first encounter, but is backing him to win on the cards once more.
“At this stage and age of their career, they can only change the little things for the rematch. Usyk is a guy who throws a lot of punches. He has quicker hands and quicker reflexes. He’s small and may have to take some to give some. He’s going to do the things that are necessary to win. It comes down to who he is as a person. Usyk is a guy that works hard all of the time. I like that. I was that person too, like Usyk – when I had a job to do, I always gave it my very best.
“I think Usyk can knock him out if he lands consistent shots. Fury has the height and reach and is a good boxer. He’s hard to get. Everything is about timing, landing combinations, and stepping in at the right time.
“For whatever reason they didn’t stop the fight in the ninth. I try not to be controversial because I’m a fighter myself. I trained to be the very best. I like both of these guys. They’re both skilled and whoever wins, wins. I like Usyk. I think he will outpoint him.”
