TONY BELLEW was furious with Oleksandr Usyk – after the Ukrainian mentioned his 2018 KO of the Scouser in his press conference ahead of his clash with Derek Chisora.
Former heavyweight champ Bellew was put on the canvas by Usyk when they fought at cruiserweight two years ago.
Oleksandr Usyk puts Tony Bellew on the canvas back in 2018Credit: Reuters
The punch from Oleksandr Usyk which put down Tony Bellew in their cruiserweight clash in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association
Bellew reacted badly when Usyk mentioned the knockdown.
Usyk, 33, knocked Bellew sparko with one powerful punch in the eighth round.
The Ukrainian defended his undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles against Bellew in Manchester.
Questions have been asked whether Usyk has the power at heavyweight to step up and beat Chisora tonight.
But Usyk reckoned the way he dispatched Bellew shows he has the power to make the step up.
Promotor Eddie Hearn told Usyk: “David Haye said you don’t have the power at heavyweight.
“Do you believe that you can stop Dereck Chisora on Saturday night and end this fight inside the distance?”
Usyk responded through his translator: “Ask Tony Bellew.”
Bellew, 37, was in the conference room at the time and looked annoyed.
But the Scouser later said: “It doesn’t aggravate me, it’s fact.
“Can’t deny it, can I? The whole world’s seen it. He starched me, for six seconds, then I was back up.”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
