The legendary ex-absolute champion in the heavyweight (over 90.7 kg) and heavy (up to 90.7 kg) divisions, American Evander Holyfield gave
interview for local media.
In a conversation, he expressed an opinion about a possible confrontation for the title of absolute heavyweight champion between the holder of three titles Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) and the WBC champion from Britain Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs). Evander also commented on the fan debate on the topic: who is the best fighter in the history of boxing, who rose from heavyweight to heavyweight, and compared himself with former US champion Deontay Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs).
Will Usyk beat Fury? Can he do what you did and beat a much bigger guy out of cruiserweight?
– He is a talented fighter. All of himself a boxer. Smaller fighters have faster hands, they move a little better and I think Usyk is a good fighter. And if you are a good fighter, then you have a great chance against a big puncher.
Fury also has speed. Will the big good fighter win the little good fighter in this fight?
“The thing is, Fury is proven. He can fight close, long range, and he has experience. I think it will be difficult, but [пожимает плечами] you never know.
– Does he need to be a “bull” in this fight or box with Usyk?
Well, I think Usyk is a good boxer and you have to adapt to fight him. It should be a test fight, it should be a really good fight.
- Usyk will beat Fury, he has Klimas. So says the ex-rival of the British
Will you give one of them the advantage?
“The point here is that you can’t do anything here without character. That’s the difference. When you fight a tall fighter, it all comes down to will.
– People compare you to Usyk and argue about who is the best heavyweight who moved to heavyweight. What do you say about this?
– The point is that we fought in different eras. Of course, you have seen all the people who boxed in my era in 15-round fights. We had one of the greatest eras because we had a lot of Olympians. There were people from the eighties, nineties and two thousandths. There was a whole good generation of fighters, with good amateur baggage. So I fought in this era. It means I fought better fighters.
— A more difficult era.
– Yes, that’s what I’m talking about. When you have better fighters, it’s a little different. We had one of the strongest eras in the history of boxing. I think for 16 years there was the best era with great fighters in the United States. Most people fought in the USA. This is the place where the fighters were at that time.
Wilder returns in October. Normally, fighters don’t come back the same after such wars and knockouts. You found a way to come back from knockouts and become champion again. Can Deontay do the same, and what does he need to do?
– Difference in skill level. I had a good amateur background. I had 12 years as an amateur. I don’t think Deontay fought as an amateur, which is a big difference.
- Wilder: Joshua is like a soap bubble. I knew that he would lose to Usyk”