Nelson Names Two Britons Who Would Beat Usyk

Former British world champion Johnny Nelson shared which past fighters he believes could have toppled three‑time undisputed heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk (24‑0, 15 KOs).

– Some adore Ali, others remember Tyson; many were dazzled by Larry Holmes’s jab or Lennox Lewis’s dominance. Which of those men do you picture against Usyk?

– I’ve been asked that several times already. And I think it’s unfair to compare Usyk with them — it’s all subjective. Usyk beat everyone in his era, so we should look at the men each champion faced in their time.

When you talk about Ali, he had guys like Cleveland Williams and Sonny Liston, who was dubbed the modern‑day Mike Tyson — and Ali beat them. Same with Foreman and Frazier.

So comparisons are tough because styles make fights. But if you ask my personal view: I think Lennox Lewis would beat Usyk. Audley Harrison as well. That’s just my take — I remember those days and those fighters inspired me.

Usyk’s only had 24 bouts, yet what he’s done at his age is incredible. He deserves credit not only for his achievements in the ring but for how he carries himself outside it, Nelson said.

Photo: RDX