Usyk says former cruiserweight champion is the best fighter he’s ever shared the ring with

Oleksandr Usyk has revealed who he deems to be the best fighter he’s taken on during his illustrious career.

Usyk has established himself one of the best stars of the modern era, turning professional in 2013 after claiming a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London.

He became cruiserweight world champion in just his 10th bout when he defeated Krzysztof Głowacki to win the WBO strap, and went on to earn undisputed honours before moving up to the heavyweight division.

The Ukrainian repeated that success at heavyweight to become only the second man to accomplish that after Evander Holyfield, defeating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois all on two occasions each to twice become undisputed in the banner division.

None of those names came to mind for Usyk though when he was asked by Ring Champs With Ak & Barak who the best fighter he ever faced was, instead going for the man he took on in his final cruiserweight outing.

“Tony Bellew. Big heart, big fighter’s heart, and smart.”

Usyk defended his undisputed cruiserweight crown against Tony Bellew in November 2018, claiming an eighth round knockout win in what would prove to be Bellew’s final bout before retirement.

After two unsuccessful world title bids at light heavyweight, Bellew’s crowning moment had come in May 2016 when he defeated Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park in Liverpool to become WBC cruiserweight champion.

He notably then headed up to heavyweight for two fights with David Haye, with Bellew winning both of them by stoppage, with his final record reading 30 wins from 34 professional fights.