Usyk Didn’t Hesitate When Asked Which Heavyweight Hit Him The Hardest: “Was Like A Baseball Bat”

The Unforgettable Power of the Punch: Oleksandr Usyk Recalls the Hardest Hit in His Heavyweight Journey – “Like a Baseball Bat!”

 

In the world of heavyweight boxing, few names resonate as dominantly as Oleksandr Usyk’s. Known for his unbreakable spirit, precision, and resilience, Usyk has become an icon in the sport, and currently holds the crown in the heavyweight division. The Ukrainian champion achieved the ultimate feat in May, besting Tyson Fury in a tight contest by split decision. With this hard-fought victory, Usyk added the prestigious WBC belt to his already stacked collection, which includes the IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, cementing his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. But while he has encountered countless bruising battles, one question still lingers: Who, in all of Usyk’s battles, hit him the hardest?

 

In a revealing conversation on “The 3 Knockdown Rule Podcast,” Usyk didn’t hesitate when asked which opponent’s punch he found most bone-rattling. Surprisingly, the name that came to his mind wasn’t Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, or even a recent challenger like Daniel Dubois. Instead, Usyk gave the honor to a fighter who many would consider an underdog in this brutal division—Derek Chisora. When recounting the moment, Usyk vividly described Chisora’s punch, which struck him so forcefully that he likened it to the impact of “a baseball bat.” Even though the punch landed on his gloves, the sheer force left an unforgettable impression on the champion, who had faced Chisora in his early days as a heavyweight.

 

Usyk’s journey through the ranks of boxing has been nothing short of a legendary ascent. His fierce rivalry with Anthony Joshua marked a defining chapter in his career. The two faced off twice, with Usyk emerging victorious on both occasions by decision, though not without overcoming difficult patches. In their second fight, Joshua delivered a relentless assault, pushing Usyk to his limits. Yet, Usyk’s calm focus and technical superiority saw him prevail, proving his mettle as a top-tier champion. Joshua’s power, while formidable, still didn’t match what Usyk experienced from Chisora.

 

Another moment of drama came in August 2023, during Usyk’s clash with British fighter Daniel Dubois. This bout saw a controversial twist when Dubois believed he had landed a decisive body shot on Usyk. Initially, Dubois thought he had Usyk down, but the punch was deemed a low blow, and Usyk was allowed to continue. Shaking off the early scare, Usyk mounted a comeback that led to a powerful ninth-round knockout of Dubois. This victory underscored his resilience and ability to withstand physical and mental challenges under intense pressure.

 

Although Usyk has maintained his dominance in the ring, recent events forced him to relinquish one of his hard-earned titles. Following his victory over Fury, the IBF belt was stripped from Usyk, with Daniel Dubois stepping in as the new titleholder. This development added an unexpected twist to Usyk’s story, especially considering his past battle with Dubois.

 

With Fury, Usyk faced his toughest fight, both physically and strategically. Fury’s towering stature and unconventional style posed a formidable challenge, and every round became a battle of wits and endurance. In a close and grueling match, Usyk’s relentless pursuit of victory and skill ultimately secured his split decision win. Yet, despite Fury’s impressive power, it was Chisora’s blow in their October 2020 matchup that still reverberates in Usyk’s memory. In only his second heavyweight bout after moving up from cruiserweight, Usyk squared off against Chisora, a notoriously tough competitor. The battle was a display of grit, with Usyk enduring the heavy hits and managing to secure a points victory. And it was here that Chisora’s punch made such a mark that, years later, Usyk would remember it with awe.

 

As Usyk gears up for his upcoming rematch with Fury, set for December, he has been clear about his goals. He aims to not only defend his titles but to elevate his legacy in the annals of heavyweight history. His journey has shown time and again that it’s not just physical strength, but mental tenacity and unwavering focus that make a champion. In reflecting on his career, Usyk acknowledges the trials he’s overcome, the toughest fights he’s endured, and yes, the hardest hit he’s taken. That one powerful punch from Chisora, still reverberating in his memory, speaks volumes about the raw, unfiltered reality of the heavyweight division.

 

As the countdown to his next showdown with Fury begins, Usyk stands on the brink of yet another monumental chapter in his storied career. Whether or not he claims victory, his resilience and willingness to confront any challenge have already etched his name among the legends.