Shakur Stevenson names the American heavyweight who would have beaten Usyk

Shakur Stevenson considers Oleksandr Usyk to be one of the most “skilful” heavyweights of all time, only to come off second best in a compelling fantasy showdown.

The 39-year-old seems on the verge of retirement but, even now, is widely regarded as the top dog and most accomplished fighter of his division.

Having already cemented his Hall of Fame status, the Ukrainian is a two-division undisputed king and has firmly established himself as the greatest heavyweight of this era.

In particular, his two respective victories over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua offer a fair reflection of Usyk’s heavyweight success, while a pair of stoppages against Daniel Dubois only enhance his legacy.

It could be argued, however, that Usyk, despite remaining unbeaten and completing every available challenge, has not been afforded the level of opposition that Muhammad Ali, for instance, was used to facing on a consistent basis.

‘The Greatest’ did, after all, amass victories over future Hall of Famers such as Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sonny Liston and Ken Norton.

Even his 1977 points victory over Earnie Shavers, who never held a world title but was one of the all-time hardest punchers, should be considered a phenomenal achievement.

Stevenson has therefore told Daily Mail Boxing that he favours a prime Ali against Usyk, who, while an elite technician, would be the first to admit that he is not quite on the American icon’s level.

“That’s the hardest fight [to call], just because they’re both so skilful. But, for me, I gotta go Ali.”

Coming off a subpar performance against Rico Verhoeven, who he nonetheless stopped in round 11, Usyk is now plotting his final fight before sailing into the sunset.