Oleksandr Usyk, who recently became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era by defeating Tyson Fury, has provided a candid evaluation of Joe Joyce ahead of Joyce’s upcoming fight with Derek Chisora.

Usyk, known for his victories over top British fighters such as Anthony Joshua, Tony Bellew, Daniel Dubois, and Chisora himself, sat down with Boxing King Media to discuss his toughest opponents from the UK. During the interview, he highlighted Chisora as the hardest puncher and Bellew as having the best footwork and speed. Fury was praised for his defense, boxing IQ, and overall toughness.

However, when asked about his easiest fight, Usyk did not hesitate to name Joyce. The two fought in 2013 during the World Series of Boxing (WSB), a semi-professional competition that allowed amateur boxers to compete under professional rules while maintaining their amateur status. At that time, Joyce was still early in his amateur career, while Usyk had already secured gold medals at the World Championships, European Championships, and the Olympic Games. Usyk’s experience was evident as he outclassed Joyce, winning a unanimous decision over five rounds.

Since then, Joyce has built an impressive career, winning gold at the Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2016 Olympics. He has established himself as a top 10 heavyweight with significant wins over Joseph Parker and Dubois. However, back-to-back losses to Zhilei Zhang last year disrupted his path to a world title. Joyce managed to bounce back with a stoppage victory over Kash Ali in March.

As Joyce prepares to face Chisora on Saturday night, Usyk’s assessment adds an intriguing layer to the bout. The fight is seen as a crucial test for Joyce, who must prove he still has what it takes at 38 years old.

Chisora, a seasoned veteran, is also looking to make a statement, making this matchup a must-watch for boxing fans.