Tony Bellew has provided insights into how Oleksandr Usyk’s relentless pressure can wear down opponents, drawing from his own experience against the Ukrainian in 2018 and reflecting on Usyk’s recent victory over Tyson Fury.

Despite a strong start against Fury on May 18th, Usyk found himself losing several rounds consecutively in their undisputed heavyweight title bout. However, he managed to turn the tide with a prolonged period of success, ultimately securing a split decision victory after administering a standing count to Fury in round nine.

In their bout in Manchester, Bellew initially had a promising start, but Usyk gradually gained control of the fight before delivering a decisive left cross that ended the match in round eight..” Bellew continued, “I remember thinking, ‘I am absolutely gassed,’ and I know Dave would have wanted to pull the plug then, but he knew that could never happen. I just knew, I was spent, I was absolutely exhausted. And then I don’t remember anything of round eight.”