Oleksandr Usyk is known for being a boxer with many tricks up his sleeve.

The Ukranian southpaw is a technical fighter with great footwork, the ability to set traps, fast hand speed, great coordination and a ring IQ that is off the charts.

Across his career, many opponents have tried to play mind games with him but have seemingly failed. Usyk always remains calm and seems rather amused by such antics, instead focussing on the fight itself.

However, it was always said that he was up to some tricks during his second fight at heavyweight. That was with Derek Chisora not long after the naturally smaller man had come up from being crowned the undisputed cruiserweight king.

At the time, he was on the hunt for world titles in the banner division but was widely known to be a pound-for-pound contender who would be best avoided. When Chisora had as much success against Usyk as anyone in their contest, it led people to theorise that Usyk wasn’t as much of a threat up at heavyweight.

Speaking to Queensberry Promotions, he was asked about this by Dev Sahni and didn’t deny it.

“Let people watch my fight with Derek Chisora and think what they used to think.”

It was then suggested outright he played possum to lure Anthony Joshua into their world title clash and Usyk confirmed it.

“Yes, this is true.”

His plan worked, because after beating Chisora, he went on to fight Joshua and relived him of the WBO, WBC and IBF world titles before taking him on in a rematch and once again beating him over 12 rounds.

Since then he has become the undisputed champion of the division and is now set to rematch Tyson Fury in December when he will defend the three belts he still holds having vacated the IBF rather than face his mandatory.