Voice of London

Result: As predicted, Usyk survived an early onslaught to take a unanimous points victory. The judges scorecards read 117-112,115-113 and 115-113.

While Halloween will not be the same this year, there is a blockbuster heavyweight clash to look forward to on October 31^st

The SSE Arena in Wembley will play host to Matchroom Boxing’s six-week residency, with the first card on Saturday evening. Fitting that the famous London venue will showcase the local favourite Derek Chisora taking on the undefeated Oleksandr Usyk. Originally scheduled to take place in May, it was postponed due to the pandemic.

“I’m delighted to have The SSE Arena, Wembley as our new home for the next six weeks, we’ve got a remarkable schedule especially considering the current environment” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport Ltd.

The undisputed cruiserweight king has looked impressive since turning professional after a stellar amateur career, where he amassed a record of 335-15, collecting National, European, World and Olympic gold medals.

In just over seven years as a professional, Usyk has gone 17-0 and became the only man in history to hold all four major belts at cruiserweight simultaneously.

After knocking out Tony Bellew, he made his intentions known: a move up to heavyweight to conquer a second division. Names like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury were touted as future bouts.

He made his heavyweight debut against Chazz Witherspoon in October last year, proving dominant.

However, a move up to the heavyweight elite is an entirely different prospect. The current world champions/contenders are considerably bigger and stronger. Enter Derek Chisora.

“Del Boy” has been a mainstay in the division for over a decade and has more than double the pro experience of Usyk. A fan favourite for his exciting style and knockout power, Chisora promises to derail the hype train.

Chisora made it clear he isn’t to be overlooked, winning five of his last six bouts. Historically, he hasn’t done well against southpaws but broke that trend with a vicious knockout over Artur Szpilka last year. He feels he has the size and strength advantage over Usyk and that will ultimately give him the victory. Always on the outside looking in, Chisora needs that marquee name on his record to progress to the next level.

Although there will be no fans in attendance, and no roaring rendition of sweet Caroline that we are accustomed to from a London fight night, Chisora will still feel like he has home advantage.

Usyk however, is used to being the away fighter. Having last fought in his native Ukraine five years ago, he has dominated the last eight opponents on the road, most notably discarding Tony Bellew in devastating fashion in 2018.

Since joining forces with former nemesis David Haye, Chisora has looked in the best shape of his life at the ripe age of 36. His performances have shown a reinvigorated Del Boy, with a gas tank to match. At yesterday’s press conference, Chisora put it to Usyk, asking him if he thinks he has the power to trouble him, to which he replied, “Ask Tony Bellew”.

There had been little animosity in the build up, with both fighters showing respect for one another. The mood changed at the weigh in today however, with Chisora initiating a tense staredown, perhaps a last attempt at mind games. Usyk remained unflinching.

Chisora weighed in at 18 stone, 3lbs and Usyk tipped the scales at 15 stone 7lbs. Chisora with a significant weight advantage, likely by design to be stronger in the clinch.

Much has been made of this contest, with many believing it comes down to Usyk’s technical prowess against the strength of Chisora. On Saturday night, important questions will be answered. Is Usyk as good at heavyweight? Can Chisora drag him from the ranks of the unbeaten? There’s sure to be fireworks and when the dust settles, a legitimate title contender.

                                      Tale of the tape

Oleksandr Usyk                                                           Derek Chisora

Age: 33                                                                         Age: 36

Height: 6”3                                                                  Height: 6”2

Fights: 17                                                                     Fights: 41

Wins: 17                                                                       Wins: 32

Knockouts:  13                                                            Knockouts: 23

Losses: 0                                                                       Losses: 9

Prediction: Chisora’s best chance is an early knockout, if the fight goes past four rounds then Usyk will pick him apart.

Usyk by unanimous decision.

Words: Anuj Datta   Subbed by: Gabriela Jimenez Garcia

Featured Image: Twitter @MatchroomBoxing