Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk will finally get his chance against British boxer Derek Chisora in their rescheduled heavyweight fight on October 31.
The duo was originally set to clash on 23 May but the fight was put on hold due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. They would now share the ring next month, with a venue to be confirmed soon.
Usyk, after becoming the undisputed cruiserweight king, has set his sights on all the world heavyweight belts. Victory will keep him on course for a WBO mandatory title fight with unified champion Anthony Joshua.
But first, Usyk must overcome Chisora’s test.
“I have really missed boxing,” says Usyk. “I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on October 31.
“I expect a real test in Derek – he is strong, tough and resilient. He is a really big guy and he hits hard.
“As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight. I need to test myself against world-class heavyweights on my new road to undisputed and Derek stands in front of me.
“Many people say that Derek is a monster, but deep down he is a kind man. I don’t expect to see that good side of him. I know that he wants to break me, but I am water, wind and fire all together. Derek Chisora, I am coming for you!”
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Chisora says: “Hello, Usyk, I’m ready for you, hello Usyk!
“Usyk, I’ve been ready for you all year. It’s my home turf and after such a tough year for everyone, I’m going to give the British public the Halloween party they deserve and finally get revenge for my boy Tony Bellew!”
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn says: “It’s an absolute firecracker and a fight that’s so important to the heavyweight division over the next few months. We saw a stunning victory from Povetkin recently to shake up the mandatory situation.
“Can ‘WAR’ Chisora spring the upset and KO the undefeated undisputed world champ? I know he will do everything he can to try and get the victory and this will be another night of heavyweight drama!”
“Oleksandr Usyk versus Derek Chisora is one of the most anticipated fights in the heavyweight division,” says Alexander Krassyuk, General Director of K2 Promotions.
“The fight was originally scheduled to take place in May, but I can assure boxing fans around the world that it will be worth the wait.
Head of boxing development at Sky Sports, Adam Smith, said: “A potential fight with unified champion Anthony Joshua is already within Usyk’s grasp, but Chisora has big ambitions of his own, and with Haye by his side, could we see the battle-hardened Brit pull off a stunning upset? Usyk against Chisora has all the ingredients for a heavyweight classic!”
