The former coach of the current unified heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) James Ali Bashir gave
interview British blog.
The American coach commented on Usyk’s possible fight against Croatian prospect Filip Hrgovic (15-0, 12 KOs). According to the mentor, the fight will not attract much attention, and Usyk will show a master class to the Sauerland and Hearn fighter.
Bashir also commented on the possible confrontation between Alexander and WBC champion Briton Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs).
– Do you have any thoughts about Oleksandr Usyk? He won a rematch with Joshua. He won’t fight Fury now. Fury fights Chisora. Let’s talk about Oleksandr Usyk.
Alexander is sitting on a sofa with belts. It’s a warm place, but that’s the way it is. He feels the dynamic power of the heavyweight division. And right now – thumbs up to Oleksandr Usyk.
I won’t be surprised if Fury fights not with Usyk, but with Joshua – promoter
– They say that Hrgovic will be the mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk.
“Judging by Hrgovic’s last fight, it won’t sell well. Because he did not give free rein to his hands.
I thought he was overrated. Many people sang Hrgovic’s praises prematurely.
“If Zhang had a little more punch and a little more stamina, he would have won the fight. Zhang lacked stamina. In the end, he slowed down, and it cost him the fight. If he had a little of this and a little of that, he would have won. I don’t think Hrgovic vs Usyk will sell well. He takes him to school, beats him up, puts him in a diaper and sends him home.
Ronnie Shields is now his coach.
— Okay. He has to live up to Ronnie Shields’ expectations. After all, Hrgovic will box. He won the fight against Zhilei, but it was not an impressive victory for me. I think Usyk takes him to school, spanks him and sends him home. Here’s how I see it.
Do you think Usyk will make Fury look weak?
“I don’t know if he can make Fury look weak, but he can give Fury problems. Angles, movement, speed. I think he can make Fury look a little confused. I think he can make him look tense. Usyk in full form can cause big problems in the boxing ring.
In the meantime, they say that the WBC can disrupt the Usyk-Fury superfight. The president of the organization answers.