Oleksandr Usyk wants Deontay Wilder!
On October 12, celebrated cruiserweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KO’s) will make his professional heavyweight debut. Usyk will headline the card to be stage in the Wintrust Arena located in Chicago, Illinois and aired lived on the DAZN app.
The talented Ukrainian was originally set to face Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong (14-0, 13 KO’s), however Spong has subsequently failed a VADA administered drug test. As a result, Spong was replaced with Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon (38-3, 29 KO’s).
Regardless of whether he fought Witherspoon, or Spong, most in the boxing world feel that Usyk will put on a good showing in his heavyweight coming out party. Before moving up in weight Usyk successfully unified the cruiserweight division.
While his bout on October 12 will signal his entrance into the professional heavyweight arena, as an amateur, Usyk has already fought with the big boys. Therefore this is not be a completely new foray for Usyk.
Recently, Usyk took the occasion to field an interview with Behind the Gloves. During this now somewhat infamous Q&A,Usyk was asked who he viewed as his easiest and most difficult fight at heavyweight.
In response, Usyk stated Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (29-0-1, 20 KO’s) would be the hardest and WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KO’s) would be the easiest.
After saying Wilder would be the easiest, Usyk’s face became a mask of pure mischief as he waited for the reaction. Surprisingly, a number of media outlets have taken the 15 second sound bite and run with it.
“The hardest would be Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder is the easiest.”
It’s surprising because had these sources watched about another 6o seconds of the interview they would have seen that Usyk himself declared that his sentiments about Wilder were merely for jest. The formidable Ukrainian explained how he realized that the Bronze Bomber had earned his position in the game and was definitely no one’s push over.
Even without seeing how he performs on Saturday, there is a great deal of individuals that are assuming Usyk will enjoy a wonderful night in the office. With this being the case, several folks have already begun theorizing who the former cruiserweight warlord should face next.
Naturally, a showdown between Wilder and Usyk has been suggested. To give more weight and credibility to this mythical match-up, Usyk himself has stated that he would love a bout with the WBC champion.
“I just want to fight him […] I was like joking that he is the easiest opponent. Of course not! He is a strong guy. He is the champion of the world and he has the belt that is my favorite color. So if I have a chance, I would face him.”
First things first though! Before we can start penciling Usyk in the top-dogs of the division we must first see how he performs in Chicago against Witherspoon. Whether its win, lose or draw 3kingsboxing will be sure to cover the ever comical and crafty Oleksandr Usyk.
By: Bakari Simpson
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