Usyk called out Bellew after dominating Murat Gassiev to take the Ali Trophy and Bashir is 100% certain the big Ukrainian would defeat Bellew, Whyte and a host of other heavyweights out there should he move up in weight – as expected.
“I predicted Usyk’s dominance. I said that he would win the fight by unanimous decision or he will win the fight by late TKO,” Bashir told 112 International.
“I predicted a dominant win and that’s what happened. He’s just a different breed of fighter. He has confidence, his condition is what makes a difference.
“I trained him for three years. I saw something in Usyk in those three years that most fighters haven’t shown me for the last 25 years. I have to go way back to find the kind of fire.
“And I’ll tell you something else: Usyk is gonna beat Bellew, he’s gonna beat Whyte, he’s gonna beat all of those guys,” he added.
Bellew confirmed talks were underway in a guest appearance on talkSPORT on Monday morning, stating a UK collision with Usyk was on the cards.
We have spoken and it’s agreed that it will happen in the UK and we’ve agreed on the timescale for it to happen,” Bellew told talkSPORT adding to comments made on social media and to Sky Sports during his punditry role on Sky Box Office on Saturday night.
READ: Tony Bellew reveals WHERE, WHEN and WEIGHT CLASS of potential Aleksandr Usyk clash
Whatever happens against Usyk, Bellew has stated the contest will be his last fight, having previously defeated a faded David Haye twice in his other forays at the higher limit.
It’s not yet been made clear whether Usyk will be putting his four 200 pound title belts on the line or agreeing to the encounter in the top division and relinquishing his belts.
The former seems to be the most likely scenario in order to give Bellew the chance to win back his old WBC strap and far more when the pair eventually trade blows later in the year.