Malik Scott on Beating Usyk: "Being Big Is Not Enough"

American trainer Malik Scott shared his thoughts on WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs).

Scott explained that Usyk had already planned potential fights with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury while competing in the cruiserweight division (under 90.7 kg).

"Right now, it’s very hard to find someone who can beat Usyk. That’s why I say that if the big guys don’t change their approach to his size, they won’t succeed. If you think being big is enough to beat Oleksandr Usyk, you are deeply mistaken. You’ll realize your mistake as soon as you step into the ring with him. It pains me to say it, but skills are what matter, and they play the key role.

His style is built on incredible technical abilities, backed by a strong mental attitude. He shocks those who don’t understand what to focus on. But not me, because I’ve spent 8–11 training camps with him, worked with him in different places—both in Ukraine and in the U.S. I remember when he was a champion in the cruiserweight division, and they were already planning the move to the heavyweight division. Joshua was already in their plans, and they were discussing potential bouts with Fury and other top fighters.

They didn’t just plan to become a champion in the cruiserweight division—they saw him from the start as an undisputed heavyweight champion who would defend his titles. Usyk is the only fighter I know who has achieved this level and never once mentioned retirement. I don’t know if it’s tied to the American mindset or something specific to Ukrainians, but the more success American fighters achieve, the more they start talking about leaving the sport.

I liked that when he was recently asked who he plans to fight next, he responded something like, ‘I still have many fights ahead of me.’ When Daniel Dubois approached him in the ring, he didn’t treat him with contempt or say that he’d already beaten him or stopped him. Instead, he turned to Turkey and asked them to organize the fight. Beating him will be incredibly difficult," said Scott.

On December 21, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in their rematch, successfully defending his titles.