Usyk or Holyfield? Bellew Picks His Clear Favorite

Former world champion Tony Bellew shared his opinion on who he would consider the favorite in a fantasy matchup between Oleksandr Usyk and Evander Holyfield. Both men achieved the rare feat of becoming undisputed champions in both Cruiserweight and Heavyweight.

– I used to think Evander Holyfield would beat any cruiser in history, but now — no. I believe Usyk would beat him. His footwork would be too much of a problem. That fight should have happened when Holyfield was a cruiserweight.

He couldn’t drop back down in weight anymore. Same with Oleksandr now — he can’t go back down to cruiserweight and be as effective. It doesn’t work like that. I know what it’s like to move up to heavyweight. I was there for two years when I fought Haye. Your body adapts to the weight. In camp, you take shots better, everything works properly. He will never be able to cut back down to 90 kg again.

When asked if Usyk would win in both divisions, Bellew was certain:

“Yes. Not that he’s levels above. Holyfield is truly an outstanding fighter. But Usyk simply wouldn’t get into a firefight with him. He’d move and box. Usyk would fight Holyfield the same way he did Murat Gassiev. That would be the best performance of his career — an incredible display.

Look at Usyk against Anthony Joshua. Then look at him in the rematch with Daniel Dubois. Those are two completely different boxers. Look at Usyk against Tyson Fury in the first fight, and again at him against Dubois.

In the second fight with Dubois, he was much heavier, but against Fury — lighter, sharper. He was pressing constantly, something we hadn’t seen from him before. Usyk changes and adapts to every fight and every opponent. And I believe he’d do the same against Holyfield. Honestly, I think Tyson has more of a chance than Holyfield.”

Usyk and Bellew fought in 2018, when the Ukrainian stopped the Brit in the 8th round — a bout after which Tony retired from boxing.

Photo: Sky Sports