Oleksandr Usyk has called out Johnny Nelson after the former cruiserweight world champion labelled him an "average southpaw".
Usyk will defend his unified heavyweight world titles in a mega-money sequel with Anthony Joshua at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night. The Ukrainian continued his remarkable undefeated streak as a professional when defeating Joshua last September, when he became world champion in a second weight class, after making the switch as the undisputed cruiserweight king.
Despite his career achievements, former world champion Nelson dismissed Usyk's credentials as one of the world's all-time leading southpaws. “I think Usyk has got to earn his stripes and fight for that recognition and respect. He’s a good southpaw but an outstanding southpaw?," Nelson said. As a southpaw, he is a good southpaw, but you have outstanding southpaws, Pernell Whittaker, Manny Pacquiao, Prince Naseem Hamed, these are all retired, outstanding southpaws.
"As a southpaw who is the best out there now? Him. Tyson Fury, as a southpaw and orthodox. When I compare them and we had the conversation, this guy is a good southpaw but if you want to go to history of outstanding southpaws, he isn't. I will stick to that and have that argument with anybody."
Usyk has since fired back at Nelson's comments and believes he will deal with the situation when his fight with Joshua is closed. "Does he want to fight me or what?," Usyk responded when asked about Nelson's comments during an interview with iFL TV. "I will finish it on Saturday night with AJ and then let him come."
Usyk has had a phenomenal career after winning gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games before turning professional. His undefeated streak has included wins over Tony Bellew, Mairis Briedis and Derek Chisora, and another win this weekend could see him challenge for the undisputed title.
Where do you rank Oleksandr Usyk in your list of all-time southpaws? Let us know in the comments section below
Fury could be his rival if he manages to progress beyond Joshua in the Middle East on Saturday, and talks have already taken place between Fury's promoter Bob Arum and Usyk's team. The 'Gypsy King' is the fighter who would likely pose the biggest threat to Usyk's streak providing he isn't beaten by Joshua.
Many have questioned whether Usyk's mindset for his upcoming clashes could have now been affected by the war back home in his native Ukraine ahead of Russian invasion. However the brave heavyweight star has vowed to fight for his compatriots when he takes to the ring.
“I’m motivated by the people of Ukraine, who are struggling hard to defend our independence, to defend our freedom and defend our culture, which other people want to demolish and destroy,” he said. “I’m in touch with many guys from the frontline. I receive voice and video messages from them with words of support and they tell me they are praying for me and for my victory. This motivates me greatly."
