Fabio Wardley: Oleksandr Usyk Finding Heavyweight Transition More Difficult Than Expected
Oleksandr Usyk may be having a more difficult time adjusting to heavyweight than he expected.
That’s according to unbeaten heavyweight contender Fabio Wardley who was commenting on the former unified cruiserweight champion’s upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua.
Usyk will look to become champion in another division when he challenges for Joshua’s heavyweight titles on September 25.
That’s despite having a size disadvantage and not looking all too great since moving up to heavyweight in 2019.
Usyk earned a stoppage win over late replacement Chazz Witherspoon, but had to work and grind out a points win over Derek Chisora in his next fight.
What’s the reason for his poor performances? Wardley believes the transition to heavyweight has been much harder than Usyk expected.
And given Joshua’s pedigree and size, Wardley is giving the edge to the Briton.
“I think he’s found that adjusting period into the heavyweight slightly more difficult than he initially anticipated,” Wardley said recently (via Boxing Scene).
“He has not pulled off the best performances since he’s been in the heavyweight division, so to then jump in with someone like Joshua, it’s quite a big leap. Not to say that Usyk doesn’t have the experience to deal with that but just going off what we have seen, that is where I’d edge it.”
Do you agree?
