Chisora vs Usyk Preview

Dereck Chisora and Oleksandr Usyk will finally get to go head-to-head in the boxing ring almost half-a-year later than originally scheduled.

The two were originally scheduled to fight each other on May 23 at the O2 Arena in London, however the global pandemic meant plans for that fight had to be put on hold. Indeed, the fight will now go-ahead at the end of October and will be at a smaller venue – although there will be no fans in attendance. Bettors, though, will still be able to get in on the action by visiting 2 should they wish to place a wager on the two heavyweights.

There is plenty at stake in this contest, which makes it all the more thrilling and interesting, as well, as there is the potential to challenge Anthony Joshua in their next bout.

Both men are ranked highly by the five governing bodies, which also provides all the ingredients for a great bout of boxing to take place. Chisora is currently ranked in the top 15 heavyweights in the world with all five governing bodies: WBC #12; WBA #10; IBF #10; WBO #8; IBO #8.

Usyk is currently ranked in the top three heavyweights in the world with all five governing bodies: WBC #2; WBA #2; IBF #3; WBO #1; IBO #1.

Previous fight

Usyk has already made the step-up to the heavyweight category and made a winning success in the weight division. The Ukrainian boxer defeated Chazz Witherspoon to extend his overall record to 17-0 with 13 via KO.

He might have looked a little shaky at the beginning, however he soon found his feet and managed to produce the combinations needed to force the American to retire in the seventh round. There were criticisms about his performance, however that might be as he had just four days to train for his opponent as his initial foe had to withdraw.

Formerly known as ‘Delboy’, ‘WAR’ Chisora is in a good patch of form as well, as he has managed to win his last three fights after being KO’ed by Dillian Whyte in December 2018.

He did not allow David Price an inch of space in their October 2019 clash and won by beating him in the fourth round after the towel was thrown in.

Tactics

Chisora: Derek will look to bully his opponent with his natural strength and ability at this weight and will make the fight ugly for the Ukrainian.

Usyk: As Usyk is still relatively new to the weight class, there will be doubts about what he will be able to do, however he should still be able to move his feet and will likely have some things he can draw from in his previous fights that provide him a potential advantage.

Verdict

Usyk will likely have to be considered the favourite for this contest as he appears to be of a higher level than Chisora. There is no doubting the Brit’s ability, however Usyk is a man on a mission and has already proved in his debut fight that he is more than ready to make the step-up to this weight class. He has proven he can take some big hits, whilst being able to provide his own.

The contest could go all the way to the end and be decided on a judges’ decision, or via a stoppage. However, one thing to expect to happen is that Usyk has his hand raised at the end of the bout.