Prior to facing Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk had already proven himself as an elite pound for pound operator in boxing today.
Usyk became the first undisputed cruiserweight world champion in the modern era of 4 major sanctioning bodies, and he was only the second undisputed cruiserweight champion since the division was created. The other undisputed cruiserweight champion was Evander Holyfield, back before the WBO was viewed as a major world title. (NOTE – when O’Neil Bell unified 3 of the 4 belts back in 2006, it was after Hopkins had already become the first 4 belt undisputed world champion).
Whenever a cruiserweight jumps up to test his luck at heavyweight, the most pressing question is whether they have the size and strength to cope with the bigger stronger guys in the unlimited weight class.
This question of course applied to Usyk as well, and prior to challenging AJ, Usyk had just two fights at heavyweight. The first happened in October 2019 when Usyk scored a 7th round stoppage victory against Chazz Witherspoon. And the following October Usyk was awarded a 12 round unanimous decision against seasoned veteran Dereck Chisora. But even with these two victories, the question remained – how would Usyk cope with the size and strength of an elite level super heavyweight like Anthony Joshua.
Usyk has now resoundingly answered that question, and he did so in style when he was awarded a well deserved unanimous decision victory against Joshua. It was a tremendous victory that solidifies Usyk’s claim as one of the greatest boxers in his generation. Indeed it was a sublime display of the sweet science. The victory for Usyk also reconfirms the fact that he is one of the very best P4P boxers in the world today, if not the best. No disrespect to Canelo, or Inoue, or Crawford, as they are all a part of this discussion too, but Usyk certainly finds himself right in the mix when it comes to the best of the best in boxing today.
This edition of Rummy’s Corner will provide a quick recap and review of the fight that saw Oleksandr Usyk defeat Anthony Joshua for the unified IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight championship. Please watch and enjoy the video.