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Home » Evander Holyfield says Oleksandr Usyk faces tough task at heavyweight

Evander Holyfield says Oleksandr Usyk faces tough task at heavyweight

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  • 2 min read

Former two-weight world champion and boxing legend Evander Holyfield has given his take on Oleksandr Usyk campaigning at heavyweight.

Holyfield, who became undisputed at both cruiserweight and the 200 pounds plus division, is in an ideal position to judge Usyk’s forthcoming task.

The Ukrainian recently claimed all four belts. Usyk also lifted the Muhammad Ali Trophy in the inaugural World Boxing Super Series tournament.

After joining forces with DAZN, Usyk has a plethora of options open to him for a top division debut.

The likes of Alexander Povetkin and Michael Hunter have been mentioned. With Usyk ready to go in 2019 after beefing up in training.

But how far can the Olympic gold medalist go? Holyfield gave his views in a recent interview with US media.

“Usyk is a real good fighter, he’s got real skills and he’s a left-hander,” Holyfield told The Ring Magazine. “He’s moving up, but heavyweights are bigger today. So I think it could be difficult for him.

“Usyk is gonna be fighting guys who are 6ft 9ins. In my day, the heavyweights were big, but they couldn’t bounce around like I could.

“I had good wheels and I could roll in and roll out. I could do all this. Usyk will need to do them too.

“It also depends on who he fights,” he added.


KLITSCHKO

Murmurings of getting the better of Wladimir Klitschko have done the rounds. Whilst a fight with unified ruler Anthony Joshua is firmly seen in Usyk’s future.

Holyfield believes Usyk has to be prepared for anything. Especially with Klitschko being linked to joining Usyk on DAZN.

“I heard that Usyk did well with Klitschko in sparring. If that’s the case, then he knows he can do well with heavyweights.

“It won’t be easy for him, but becoming heavyweight champion of the world should never be easy,” concluded ‘The Real Deal’.

An official announcement on Usyk’s next move is expected before the end of the month.

Dates over the summer or even a spot on the Joshua v Jarrell Miller undercard have been bandied about for the talented competitor.

For now, Usyk will continue bulking up for his challenge to come.