Former cruiserweight world champion, Tony Bellew, has made his prediction for a potential fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder.
Bellew was knocked out by Usyk back in 2018 in what was to be ‘The Bomber’s last professional outing and also the last time we would see the Ukrainian compete at 200lbs.
Usyk made the move up to heavyweight and, within just three fights, become unified champion by defeating Anthony Joshua in London via unanimous decision.
The two-weight world champion made his second defense of his WBA, WBO and IBF titles against Daniel Dubois on Saturday night, stopping the game Brit in the 9th round.
Usyk has made it clear the fight he wants next is the undisputed clash against WBC champion, Tyson Fury. ‘The Gypsy King’ however will be facing former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, in a crossover bout in October in Saudi Arabia – so we could see the 36-year-old Ukrainian back in the ring beforehand.
One matchup that perhaps defines the phrase ‘styles make fights’ is a clash between arguably the best boxer in the division, Usyk and undoubtedly the hardest puncher, Wilder.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bellew is leaning towards Usyk but it by no means ruling out ‘The Bronze Bomber’.
“He’ll be winning every second of every round if Wilder doesn’t land! I’d favour Usyk but I wouldn’t bet my house on it!
You never could bet everything against Wilder! He’s the biggest single punching heavyweight of his era! Be interesting to see what happens when one tags him.”
He’ll be winning every second of every round if Wilder doesn’t land! I’d favour Usyk but I wouldn’t bet my house on it! You never could bet everything against Wilder! He’s the biggest single punching heavyweight of his era! Be interesting to see what happens when one tags him🤷♂️
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) August 27, 2023
The fight seems unlikely to happen anytime soon, with Usyk making it clear he’ll fulfil his mandatory obligations if he can’t lure Fury into the ring, with IBF number one ranked contender, Filip Hrgovic, next in line.
Wilder on the other hand looks set to finally face off against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia early next year, with a potential two fight deal in the offing.