Oleksandr Usyk has identified British veteran Derek Chisora as the hardest puncher he has faced in the heavyweight division, even after his legendary two-victory runs over both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Speaking on the 3 Knockdown Rule Podcast, the 39-year-old unified champion reflected on the early stages of his heavyweight career, specifically his 12-round battle with Chisora in 2020. Usyk described the impact of Chisora’s power as being struck by a baseball bat, a sensation he claims was absent in his bouts against other elite heavyweights.
The revelation comes just before Oleksandr Usyk steps into the ring for a historic clash against kickboxing veteran Rico Verhoeven tomorrow, May 23, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This matchup will be contested for the WBC title and marks a unique chapter in Usyk’s career as he faces a combat sports icon from a different discipline. While the boxing world monitors the rivalry between Usyk and Tyson Fury, the champion remains focused on the immediate threat presented by Verhoeven in North Africa.
Usyk’s career at heavyweight has been defined by his technical mastery and ability to absorb punishment from much larger men. While he admitted that his toughest overall fight was against Tyson Fury, he remained adamant that the raw power of Derek Chisora was unique. “One punch landed on the gloves and I said, ‘Oh my God.’ Like a baseball bat,” Usyk recalled. This “early impact” served as a significant test for the former undisputed cruiserweight king during only his second bout in the heavyweight ranks.
Establishing dominance through the British heavyweight ranks
Since the grueling encounter with Derek Chisora, Oleksandr Usyk has dismantled the top tier of British heavyweights. He defeated Anthony Joshua twice to claim and retain his unified titles. Following those victories, he outpointed Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis. Usyk has already secured a second victory over Fury as well, further cementing his place at the summit of the sport.
In addition to his successes against the division’s biggest names, Usyk has also twice defeated Daniel Dubois. His first win over Dubois occurred in 2023, and he repeated the feat this past July by knocking out the Briton at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 fans. These consecutive high-stakes matches have prepared him for the unconventional challenge of facing Rico Verhoeven, where the WBC title will be at stake on Saturday.
Logistics and broadcast details for the Cairo spectacle
The upcoming event at the Pyramids is being positioned as a global spectacle. Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the Usyk and Verhoeven fight on DAZN PPV for £27.99. This purchase price includes a complimentary month of the DAZN Standard service. Alternatively, the fight is available at no extra cost for those using the DAZN Ultimate package, currently offered at an introductory rate of £22.99 per month.
While preparing for this unusual defense, Usyk and his team have remarkably been training with Anthony Joshua. The former rivals appear to have formed a tactical partnership as Joshua prepares for his own return to action. Despite their past battles, Usyk has voiced strong support for his former foe, stating his belief that Anthony Joshua would defeat Tyson Fury if the two were to eventually meet in the ring.
Transition from cruiserweight to heavyweight legend
The journey for the 39-year-old Ukrainian began with total dominance in the cruiserweight division. In 2018, he defeated Murat Gassiev to become undisputed champion, a run that also included a knockout victory over Tony Bellew. His transition to heavyweight was initially met with skepticism regarding his size, but the victory over Derek Chisora proved he could handle the physical pressure of the division’s heaviest hitters.
The fight against Rico Verhoeven represents another hurdle in a career defined by taking on diverse challenges. As Verhoeven is widely considered “fighting royalty” in the kickboxing world, Usyk must adapt to a style that differs from traditional pugilism. But after surviving the “baseball bat” power of Derek Chisora, the champion enters the Giza ring with a proven chin and the confidence of a man who has already beaten every major heavyweight of his era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which heavyweight opponent landed the hardest punch on Oleksandr Usyk?
Oleksandr Usyk stated that Derek Chisora landed the biggest punch he has ever felt at heavyweight. During their 2020 bout, Usyk noted that a punch landing on his gloves felt like being hit with a baseball bat, surpassing the power he felt from Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua.
What titles are on the line in the Usyk vs. Verhoeven fight?
The fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, taking place at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23, is for the WBC title. Usyk enters the bout as the unified heavyweight champion, having recently defended his other major titles against Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury.
How can fans in the UK watch the Usyk vs. Verhoeven event?
The fight is being broadcast via DAZN PPV for a price of £27.99, which includes a month of DAZN Standard. It is also available at no additional cost to subscribers of the DAZN Ultimate package, which is currently available for a monthly introductory price of £22.99.
