Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn says Oleksandr Usyk is behind only Canelo Alvarez in boxing pound-for-pound list
EDDIE HEARN said Oleksandr Usyk is behind only Canelo Alvarez in boxing’s pound-for-pound list.
Hearn watched as Usyk brilliantly outboxed his golden goose Anthony Joshua to become the new unified heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian became only the third man, behind Evander Holyfield and David Haye, to win titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Usyk, 34, previously reigned as undisputed before he moved up and added further to his credentials.
Asked where he ranks in the mythical list, Hearn said: “Two, after Canelo.
“I mean, when he was at cruiserweight, everyone called him a top five pound-for-pound.
“But then when he went to heavyweight, he went off everyone’s radar. After that win, he has to be on everyone’s top pound-for-pound.”
Canelo, a four-weight champ, is widely regarded as boxing’s best right now, with notable wins over Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev.
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But Usyk’s track record of going on the road and conquering two divisions leaves him a serious contender to the Mexican superstar, 31.
Joshua, 31, is now set to exercise his right to an immediate rematch made the mandatory defence against one of the finest fighters in the world.
Hearn added: “Like I said, maybe we should have swerved him and just put the belt in the bin, but that’s not what AJ is about.
“I come back to giving him credit, I hope people do. I’ve seen people criticising, but he has consistently proved that he is willing to take all comers.
“And I think he should be applauded for fighting Oleksandr Usyk – twice.”