Oleksandr Usyk Reveals the Hardest Puncher He’s Ever Faced
In the high-stakes world of heavyweight boxing, where every punch carries the potential to alter destinies and reshape legacies, identifying the hardest puncher can be a matter of survival as much as a badge of honor. For Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion, that distinction falls upon a surprising contender – Derek Chisora.
Usyk’s journey to the summit of the heavyweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. The Ukrainian maestro has conquered two weight classes with his masterful boxing skills, earning accolades and admiration along the way. But it’s not just the victories that define Usyk’s legacy; it’s the battles he’s endured against some of the sport’s most formidable opponents.
Having shared the ring with giants like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Tony Bellew, one might assume that Usyk’s toughest challenges came from these heavyweight juggernauts. However, in a recent revelation on the 3 Knockdown Rule Podcast, Usyk unveiled that it was Derek Chisora who left the most lasting impression in terms of sheer punching power.
In their showdown in 2020, Usyk and Chisora engaged in a grueling twelve-round battle that showcased both men’s grit and determination. While Usyk emerged victorious, it was not without feeling the full force of Chisora’s thunderous blows.
“Toughest fight – yes it was [Fury]. Biggest punch – no. Because Derek Chisora, very tough guy,” Usyk admitted, reflecting on his past encounters in the heavyweight division.
The memory of one particular punch from Chisora still resonates with Usyk, vividly illustrating the raw power possessed by the British heavyweight. “[One punch landed] on the gloves and I said, ‘Oh my God.’ Like a baseball bat,” Usyk recounted, painting a picture of the visceral impact felt in the heat of battle.
Usyk’s acknowledgment of Chisora’s punching prowess offers a glimpse into the unforgiving nature of the heavyweight landscape. In a realm where every opponent poses a threat capable of altering the course of a fight with a single blow, recognizing and respecting the power of one’s adversaries is paramount.
As Usyk continues to etch his name in the annals of boxing history, his candid assessment serves as a testament to the diverse challenges he’s overcome on his path to greatness. While the debate over the sport’s hardest puncher may rage on, for Usyk, the memory of Chisora’s devastating blows stands as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world’s most unforgiving sport.