Oleksandr Usyk, New WBO Mandatory Challenger for Anthony Joshua

After winning by unanimous decision against Derek Chisora, Usyk is officially the new mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua in the heavyweight division.

Oleksandr Usyk is a step closer to a world heavyweight title shot against the super-champion Anthony Joshua. Last Saturday night, in an average boxing match, Usyk outboxed Derek Chisora in a strategic and tactical bout. The decision was unanimous (117-112, 117-112, 115-113) but Usyk did not convince many commentators, just to name one.

Especially, he did not convince himself since, after the fight, Usyk commented, that his performance should be rated as three out of 10. Honestly, Usyk did not impressed me as well, as heavyweight and the usual questions are still unanswered: can he really compete with top-notch heavyweight champions?

We will know soon enough since Usyk’s records allow him to be the first contender for a belt against Anthony Joshua, most likely for the WBO belt.

“It’s a real test at heavyweight,” Usyk commented. “Chisora is a big guy, a hard guy. I love boxing, it’s beautiful. I fought his fight. I was expecting a fight like that, an even tougher fight.”