Oleksandr Usyk improved his results in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Now one of only two other men to have reigned in both divisions, David Haye, has shared how he thinks the Ukrainian would fare against the heavyweight icons.

Usyk captured the undisputed cruiserweight crown, scoring away wins over Krzysztof Głowacki, Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiew, winning all four world titles.

It is his current heavyweight streak that has made Usyk a global superstar, defeating Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois twice to become the undisputed heavyweight champion twice.

As a result, the undefeated 39-year-old has established himself as the preeminent heavyweight of his generation, and Haye answered the question of whether Usyk could have performed similarly in stronger times like the 1990s. Boxing Scene that in his opinion the Ukrainian would “find a way”.

– Usyk, put them in there with [Evander] Holyfield, [Mike] Tyson and Lennox [Lewis]would hang out with the best of them.”

“He would find a way. He consistently showed that he beat every guy in and around his era. It’s difficult not to be a fan of someone who did that.”

“It would be the same as beating Tyson Fury, Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko or anyone else.”

On Saturday evening, Usyk will face Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven beneath the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, in a fight that may do more for his fame than his legacy.

Richard Torrez Jr. says Saturday’s fight with Frank Sanchez is the moment people either stop doubting him or learn he’s among the heavyweight contenders after other fighters reportedly lost the fight.

“I don’t think you should be in this sport if you don’t think you’re the best. I’m very confident in my abilities as a fighter. Overall, I’m very confident in my abilities. I want to put it to the test. I’m not here to fight straightforward fights. I’m here to make things happen. And that’s what we’re going to do on Saturday night,” Torrez Jr. said. professional boxing fans.

“Saturday is the time to either give up or shut up from everyone. Either we prove everyone is right, or we prove everyone is right. Whichever side wins.”

Torrez said he was preparing for the best possible version of Sanchez and insisted he preferred hazardous opponents rather than ponderous fights against weaker heavyweights.

“I’m preparing for the best Frank. I’m preparing for the Frank who comes to fight. Catch him at his best or at his worst, I still feel prepared.”

“To show your skills, you have to go and get someone who is talented. I’m not in this game to beat anyone. I want demanding fights. I want to be able to show that I should be here, on top of the world.

“I want to know that I’m the best. And to know that you’re the best, you have to fight the best,” Torrez Jr. said.

Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.

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Last updated: 22/05/2026 at 18:21

Canelo Alvarez announced the verdict before the fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.

The Ukrainian will defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Verhoeven tomorrow night at the Pyramids of Giza, in a fight that has sparked controversy due to the perceived mismatch that many fans expect.

While he may be one of the best fighters in kickboxing history, Verhoeven has only fought as a professional boxer once, and in April 2014 he defeated Janos Finfera.

Usyk, on the other hand, is one of the greatest heavyweights of recent times, having defeated Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois twice each to establish himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Another man who knows what it’s like to be viewed as one of the best fighters on a pound-for-pound basis is Canelo, who will have a ringside seat on Saturday to witness Usyk’s fight with Verhoeven.

I’m talking to DAZNthe Mexican star revealed that he expected an basic night for the Ukrainian.

“Usyk will definitely win. Knockout, maybe four or five rounds.”

Canelo then explained why he is such a huge fan of Usyk.

“I love Usyk. I think he’s one of the best. He’s a good guy and I always have a good time when I have the opportunity to see him. I don’t go to many events, but when I see him, it’s a really nice time. I admire him. He’s very disciplined and I’m glad to meet him.”

Usyk’s expected victory could lead to fights with the likes of Agit Kabayel and Moses Itauma next, while Canelo is expected to return to action in September when he fights Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title.