Heavyweight boxing: Oleksandr Usyk vs Derek Chisora breakdown and prediction

Chisora vows to go to war with Usyk

With the date of Dereck Chisora’s battle with Oleksandr Usyk to be decided at a later date, it gives Boxing365 more time to preview the fight.

A lot has been made of the choice of opponent by Usyk, with ‘War’ Chisora looking like a very dangerous opponent at this stage of his career. While some see it as the perfect test for Usyk before setting up a world title fight with Anthony Joshua, others see it as a needless risk having already become the WBO mandatory challenger.
Since the link-up with David Haye, Chisora has reinvented himself and a shock win could set-up an all-British showdown with ‘AJ’, who the Brit knows well having both trained at the same gym - Finchley ABC.

Let’s take a look at the previous three fights for both heavyweights.

After Dillian Whyte knocked out Chisora in late December 2018, he looked to rebuild his brand and followed it up with three convincing victories. He fought three times in seven months against Senad Gashi, Artur Szpilka and David Price - all three taking place at London’s O2 Arena. Chisora was then set to face former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker but the Kiwi pulled out of the fight after being bitten by a spider - something Chisora disputed.

Chisora vs Gashi

If being honest, this was a fight to forget for everyone associated. Chisora eased to a unanimous decision victory although it was a frustrating evening for him with his German opponent barely engaging throughout the contest.

The German southpaw fighter proved a tough opponent for Chisora to really hold down, despite a one-sided points victory. The crowd were obviously bored from it also but on the plus side, Chisora demonstrated his improved fitness and durability and got some rounds in the bank. It was the first fight since his FOTY rematch defeat to Whyte.

Chisora vs Szpilka

This provided a step up in opposition against another southpaw who had taken Deontay Wilder 11 rounds. They say an old dog can’t learn new tricks but a 35-year-old Chisora under the guidance of new trainer Dave Coldwell delivered a sickening body shot in the second round to end proceedings.

‘The first three weeks in camp was difficult for me,’ Chisora told Sky Sports. ‘I wanted to pull out but everything came together in the last four days and we're happy about that. Age is just a number bro, I’m 35 but I still feel like I’m 16 and if the British people keep cheering me like this, I’ll fight until the break of dawn.’

Chisora vs Price

Price was a late stand in for Parker and it may have had a bearing on the fight we witnessed. Despite the difference in size and reach, Chisora pressured Price straight away and hammered the Olympian to the deck in round four. As Price got up, his corner threw the towel in. While the Liverpudlian is renowned for not having the best resistance, it was another statement of intent by Chisora, especially when you consider the damage Price had done in his previous fight to Dave Allen.

Oleksandr Usyk

The Ukrainian is on Boxing365’s Pound for Pound list having conquered the 200-lb division and inaugural World Boxing Super Series in 2018.

Injuries hampered the rapid progression of Usyk last year but make no mistake about it, outside of the top three heavyweights in Tyson Fury, Joshua and Wilder, Usyk is up there alongside the likes of Whyte despite only one fight at heavyweight. While question marks will be raised as to how he can transfer his skills against bigger men, let’s just enjoy this man while he’s in the game.

Usyk vs Gassiev

Usyk confirmed his case of being the best cruiserweight in the world as he outclassed Murat Gassiev via unanimous decision. Displaying his breathless ability, Usyk delivered a masterclass in front of 24,000 fans at the Olimpiysky Sports Complex in Moscow to win the World Boxing Super Series tournament.
In doing so, Usyk made history in becoming the first fighter to hold all four recognised world titles in the division and just the third fighter after Evander Holyfield and the late O'Neil Bell to be undisputed champion.

Usyk vs Bellew

After unifying, Tony Bellew got his wish in securing a farewell fight against Usyk. Bellew was a former WBC cruiserweight champion and had been given the ‘Emeritus’ status from the WBC after vacating the green-and-gold belt to record back-to-back wins over Haye at heavyweight.

Posing a powerful threat, Usyk came to London and put on a boxing clinic after facing an early onslaught. Bellew looked for a knockout but ended up getting flattened himself after a brutal left hook sent him into the ropes. It was the fifth successive time Usyk had fought on foreign soil against a home favourite.

Usyk vs Witherspoon

Usyk was expected to face Carlos Takam originally - the same opponent Chisora defeated in epic style two years ago - until the former suffered an injury. The pair would never fight as negotiations stalled for a new date.

Tyrone Spong stepped up to the plate but got replaced after failing a drugs test for a banned substance. Chazz Witherspoon was his new opponent on short notice and despite showing his ring-rust in the early rounds, Usyk eventually broke the American down and won inside eight rounds.

Talking Points

With the date of their fight to be moved, it’s yet another disruption to the momentum of Usyk. The undefeated star is looking to make a statement of intent and a vintage victory over a rejuvenated Chisora would certainly put Joshua et al on notice.

Despite stating his reluctance to fight for another world title, ‘War’ Chisora would jump at the chance of making yet another huge payday alongside Haye. Bellew - a good friend of Chisora’s - believes if he lands a big punch then there’ll be a big surprise in London.

However, while Usyk has been in some epic fights, he hasn’t taken too much damage and knows how to get the job done when it matters. It’ll certainly be a tough fight for Usyk but he hasn't clocked up the miles like Chisora, who is now embarking into his 13th year as a pro. Expect Usyk to weather the storm and grind Chisora down in the later rounds to record a stoppage victory.

It promises to be an intriguing contest which is live and exclusive to Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN USA with a new date to be confirmed soon.

Seb Sternik