There will be a huge weekend of boxing action for fight fans to look forward to this weekend, as one of the best fighters on the planet looks to continue his progression in the heavyweight scene against a veteran opponent. Derek Chisora will be the opponent for Oleksandr Usyk this weekend, but is this just the first step on the road to heavyweight glory for the Ukrainian?
There has been huge excitement around Usyk since he revealed that he would be stepping up to the heavyweight division. Eyes will be on the Ukrainian this weekend, as a victory over his British opponent could put him in line for a title opportunity against Anthony Joshua at some point in 2021.
Boxing News: Usyk Looking To Continue Dominance
Rising up through the weights from cruiserweight to heavyweight has been a path that many legends of the sport have followed, with Evander Holyfield and David Haye being the only two former cruiserweight title holders to win the heavyweight championship. But, there is a strong belief that Usyk will be the next name on that list.
His pedigree in the ring is unquestionable, as he has already beaten five previous world champions, and also won his first championship in just his tenth professional fight. The Ring ranks him as the fifth best boxer in the world, and his record is a staggering 17-0, with 13 knockout victories.
Boxing News: Dominant Performances
Usyk is renowned for his power and speed in the ring, and that was something that caught his most renowned opponent off guard. The Ukrainian battled former cruiserweight champion, Tony Bellew, back in 2018, with the British fighter claiming that he was surprised with how good the Ukrainian was. Usyk was able to get the win after knocking out Bellew in the eighth round.
That was the ideal final cruiserweight bout for Usyk, as Bellew himself has boxed at heavyweight level against David Haye. He made easy work of that tough assignment on paper, before then officially moving into the heavyweight division to take on Chazz Witherspoon in October last year. Once again the Ukrainian rose to the occasion and won in the seventh round. The sky is the limit for Usyk, and this weekend we will be getting just another glimpse into what the future of the heavyweight division looks like.