What Happened When Oleksandr Usyk Sparred Wladimir Klitschko For One Round

Oleksandr Usyk is good. Like, scary good. He even makes heavyweights look ordinary.

We're talking former reigning heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Klitschko was preparing for his heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury. He drafted in some high-profile names to combat the British fighter including Usyk.

Usyk, eight bouts into his professional career, bossed Klitschko who 'slung him out' during an infamous sparring session according to Johnny Nelson.

It was the first time Nelson saw Usyk in the flesh, and he was very impressed.

"I rate Usyk. When I saw him sparring with Wladimir when Wladimir was preparing for Tyson Fury, I said 'Who is that guy? Who is he?'" Nelson said.

He added: "I had no idea, but I know there was something special about him. He did one round with Wladimir, and Wladimir slung him out and said, 'get out, not while the press is here.'

"He was making it hard for Wladimir. He was like bossing Wladimir. 'Get him out. Get somebody else in.'"

Image: PA

Usyk has since cleaned up - we mean cleaned up - the cruiserweight division. He's bagged the WBA (super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring Magazine belts not to mention The Muhammad Ali Trophy.

He continues his quest at cruiser by defending his titles against Tony Bellew in a mouth-watering clash.

Despite a date with Bellew approaching, Usyk has a eye on the heavyweight division including a fight opposite unified king Anthony Joshua.

"I saw him for the first time at the 2011 World Championship finals against Magomedrasul Majidov. It was a great fight and after this fight I said he is going to be the Olympic champion in London," he said.

"I watched all his fights in London at the Olympic games and of course his professional fights as well. I am interested in him, I mean it is interesting to watch his fights.

"Yes I watched this fight and I really liked it. I like how Alexander was set up, it was intriguing, or it was Anthony Joshua's plan - it wasn't a successful plan at the beginning.

"I really liked the atmosphere at Wembley and I would like to box there too."

Joshua is still looking for a dance partner on April 13th. Providing Usyk beats Bellew, he could be line for a shot at heavyweight gold.

Topics: Boxing News, Boxing, Oleksandr Usyk, Wladimir Klitschko

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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