Oleksandr Usyk Snubs Joshua and Fury as He Names Hardest Puncher He Has Ever Fought

Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian boxing maestro and unified heavyweight champion, has made waves in the boxing world with a surprising revelation. Despite his encounters with renowned heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, Usyk has named a different opponent as the hardest puncher he has ever faced.

In an exclusive interview, Usyk, known for his tactical prowess and agility, disclosed that it wasn’t the powerful Joshua or the formidable Fury who left the most lasting impression with their punching power. Instead, Usyk pointed to Mairis Briedis, the Latvian cruiserweight champion, as the most powerful puncher he has ever encountered in the ring.

Usyk and Briedis faced off in January 2018 during the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) cruiserweight tournament. The bout was an intense and closely contested battle, with Usyk ultimately emerging victorious via majority decision. Reflecting on the fight, Usyk praised Briedis for his incredible power and resilience, highlighting the Latvian’s punching force as unparalleled.

This revelation is particularly intriguing given Usyk’s successful transition from cruiserweight to heavyweight, where he has faced some of the most feared punchers in the sport. His victories over Anthony Joshua in 2021 and 2022 cemented his status as a top heavyweight contender, with many fans and analysts speculating about a potential showdown with Tyson Fury.

However, Usyk’s acknowledgment of Briedis’s punching power adds a new dimension to the discussion. It serves as a reminder that power alone does not guarantee victory, as Usyk’s skillful technique and strategic acumen have allowed him to triumph over even the most powerful opponents.

As Usyk continues to dominate the heavyweight division, his candid assessment of Briedis’s power will undoubtedly fuel further interest and debate among boxing enthusiasts. Whether facing Joshua, Fury, or any other contender, Usyk’s journey remains a captivating saga in the world of boxing.