OLEKSANDR USYK is now ‘very dangerous’ after making a ‘necessary’ heavyweight body transformation, Tyson Fury’s uncle said.
It will come as a warning to Anthony Joshua – who is set to fight the ex-undisputed cruiserweight king in September at Tottenham’s stadium.
Usyk has recently bulked up to 16st 5lb in an attempt to impose himself as a bigger threat at heavyweight.
And according to Fury’s uncle and former trainer Peter, it is the right move ahead of his world title challenge against AJ.
He told Sky Sports: “He’s very dangerous. It’s not a walk in the park. Forget cruiserweight.
“This guy, he’s had a couple of fights in the heavyweight division, he’s adjusted, he’s put the necessary weight on.
“He’s a serious heavyweight and a serious talent, so it will be a good fight.”
Usyk, 34, stepped up to the blue riband division in 2019 after winning all four belts at cruiserweight.
He debuted against Chazz Witherspoon, 39, before beating Derek Chisora, 37, on points in October, weathering an early storm to do so.
Usyk became AJ’s mandatory challenger as soon as he stepped up to heavyweight, but looked as though he would have to wait for his shot.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
But after Tyson Fury, 32, was ordered to fight Deontay Wilder, 35, in a trilogy bout instead of Joshua, 31, the Ukrainian seized his opportunity.
The biggest question mark against Usyk’s name amongst the big boys is whether he has the power and size to fight them off.
But coach Peter is confident in the unbeaten southpaw, who won gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games, has the force to gain AJ’s respect.
He said: “Yes, of course he has.
“He’s an accurate puncher and anybody in the fight trade knows when you’re in that body weight bracket, when you’re punching correctly, any punchers can do damage.
“Yes, he belongs in the division and he’s a serious threat. It’s a serious fight. Full credit to Joshua for taking that fight.
“I think it will ultimately be a battle of skills, because you can’t run into danger.
“It’s a fight that I’m looking forward to see. It’s a great fight, a good match-up.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
