Not only have fans noticed this week the sheer size of Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his rematch with Anthony Joshua, his punching power seems to have also increased drastically due to the increase in weight.
The Ukrainian southpaw looks to finally have grown into the heavyweight build, after some suggested that he was too small for and never had the power to stand with some of the biggest punchers in the world.
Usyk was criticised upon his move up from cruiserweight, after his lacklustre wins over Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora, with fans believing that the fighter should have won both with more ease.
The champion proved accuracy and timing can be just as useful when he beat Anthony Joshua last year to win three heavyweight titles.
Clips shared by Sky Sports of the eccentric Usyk, famous for his obscure and alternative training methods, have shown his muscular capacity and punching power.
The footage showed Usyk smashing the heavy bag during training camp for his title defence against Joshua on August 20.
Oleksandr Usyk 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 the heavy bag! He's ready for August 20 💪@usykaa | #UsykJoshua2pic.twitter.com/FuU2GKguYv
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 10, 2022
Fans have tipped the defending champion to finish the returning Brit, within the 12-round limit this time round, putting an end to their rivalry.
One fan commented underneath Sky Sports Twitter post:
“He’s gonna chop Anthony Joshua down. Easy nights work.”
With another saying:
“If Usyk puts it on AJ like that AJ won’t be able to cope with it.”
The former World Boxing Super Series winner and undisputed cruiserweight champion will be looking to demonstrate his new-found power when he takes on Joshua in the “Rage On The Red Sea” in Jeddah live on Sky Sports Box Office.