Oleksandr Usyk has been hailed as the standout heavyweight of this generation, but pound-for-pound rival Shakur Stevenson has named one former champion whom he believes would have put an end to the Ukrainian’s unbeaten streak.
Usyk is yet to lose in his 25 professional contests, claiming the undisputed crown and both cruiserweight and heavyweight and twice defeating each of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois to earn recognition as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Last time out, Usyk put in a shaky performance against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven – who stepped through the ropes with just one pro bout to his name – and he was fortunate to retain his title, as a controversial round 11 stoppage overshadowed poor scorecards.
Since then, Usyk has reflected on that night and decided to vacate his three heavyweight world titles, planning on one final ‘farewell fight’ before officially retiring from boxing, with a stateside showdown with Deontay Wilder expected to be announced in the near future.
Yet, despite his astounding achievements over the last decade, Shakur Stevenson told Paramount Boxing that he believes Usyk would be trumped by two-time heavyweight ruler Mike Tyson if they were to meet in their primes.
“I’m going to go with Mike [Tyson], in his prime.”
Tyson burst onto the scene during the 1980s, becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion in history at the age of just 20, a record that still stands to this day.
His ferocious power was on display as he claimed knockout wins over fighters such as Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks on his way to becoming undisputed champion, and a fantasy match-up against Usyk would have certainly been an extremely interesting affair.
