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Cruiserweight King Oleksandr Usyk Is The Ultimate Road Warrior

Cruiserweight King Oleksandr Usyk Is The Ultimate Road Warrior

He continued to win on the road following victory against Tony Bellew in Manchester.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Oleksandr Usyk clearly likes to travel.

The Ukrainian juggernaut really is the ultimate road warrior. He continued his impressive form away from home by stopping Tony Bellew in Manchester on Saturday.

Usyk defended his cruiserweight throne - which includes the WBA (super), IBF, WBC, WBO and The Ring Magazine titles - in stunning fashion by knocking out Bellew in the eighth round.

He now has victories over fighters representing Poland, America, Germany, Latvia, Russia and England in their respective country.

Usyk bagged his first world title in Poland by beating Krzysztof Glowacki. He successfully retained his belt by beating Michael Hunter in the States.

Then the World Boxing Super Series. In the quarter-finals, he faced Marco Huck in Germany securing a TKO in the 10th round.

He collected the WBO title after a narrow victory against Mairis Briedis in Latvia, and unified the division versus Murat Gassiev in Russia.

An unbelievable achievement. A man who fears no challenge.

As well as cruiserweight supremacy, Usyk also put a strong case for being the pound-for-pound king.

Image: PA
Image: PA

What's next for the 31-year-old?

Well, a move up to heavyweight could be on the cards. He's targeting a fight against unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

"I am on my way to the fight with Anthony Joshua," Usyk said.

"My company which I belong to, K2 Promotions, has signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom for several fights, and I think they did discuss this opportunity or are in the process of discussing at this moment.

"It's not actually my responsibility talking on future fights, but I am confident that this fight is definitely under discussion."

"I had a goal to become the undisputed champion in cruiserweight, and I achieved this goal.

"I am interested in the heavyweight division and I'll tell you why: Many experts say that I shouldn't go up in weight, that I'm too small for it.

"My size does not allow me to be victorious in this division. But all my life I have been hearing the skepticism that you should not do this and you will not succeed in this. But the Lord tests me and says, 'Go Sasha, go.'"

Dillian Whyte is also in the frame to face Joshua, though his plans could be derailed if he loses to Dereck Chisora on December 22nd.

Deontay Wilder continues to be mentioned but a bout earlier in the year proved to hard to make.

Joshua vs. Usyk...? Watch this space.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Boxing News, Boxing, Oleksandr Usyk, Tony Bellew