Wladimir Klitschko on Sparring Oleksandr Usyk: ‘He’s a Chess Master in the Ring’

On July 19, at Wembley Stadium, Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 will headline a huge event with the undisputed heavyweight crown up for grabs. Usyk vs Dubois 2 will see all four major belts on the line for the second time in 14 months, following Usyk’s historic victory over Tyson Fury in their first fight. Ahead of this huge showdown in London, Ukrainian heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko has spoken to Boxing News, praising Usyk and reflecting on a spar the two had.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois  – July 19 at Wembley Stadium

Wladimir Klitschko Shares Insights on Oleksandr Usyk Spar

Following his win over Fury, Usyk vacated his IBF title, which is now held by Daniel Dubois, with Usyk-Dubois set to clash again on July 19 for all four heavyweight titles. They have a history with each other, having fought in Wroclaw, Poland, in 2023. The Ukrainian dominated much of the fight and stopped the Brit in the ninth round.

Dubois and his team felt they were robbed of a massive win when Dubois landed a body shot in the fifth round, which was correctly ruled a low blow.

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When speaking to Boxing News, Klitschko praised Usyk: “You know what? You cannot compare athletes with each other because everyone was great in his era. But I can compare Oleksandr Usyk to a chess player, like to a current chess player. A current champion. Magnus (Carlsen).

“He is an unbelievable strategist, and he’s basically playing chess; that’s what Oleksandr Usyk is doing in the boxing ring. It doesn’t matter how strong or big or heavy his opponents were; he was dominating mentally and physically through his technical skills.”

Klitschko Reflects on Spar With Usyk

Reflecting on the spar he had with Usyk, Klitschko said: “Oh my goodness. We did spar, believe it or not.”

When asked to recall that spar, Klitschko said: “I know what it feels like to stand in the ring and fight in a sparring session with Oleksandr.

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“As I said, technical fighter. Just absolutely a technical fighter, and he has improved much more since we sparred, so he’sgot even better,” added Wladimir.