Tony Bellew believes only Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua can beat Oleksandr Usyk – despite both having lost twice to him already.
Usyk is seemingly invincible in the heavyweight division right now, with contenders falling in the wake of the all-time great.
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Bellew has forever raved about Usyk’s elite and world class ability
The Ukrainian defeated Daniel Dubois for the second time in his most recent bout, brutally stopping the Briton to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion.
There are very little challengers left to step up to the plate, with Joseph Parker next in line after being ordered by the WBO as Usyk’s next mandatory challenger.
But the current king has been linked with alternative fights should he vacate the title including third clashes with Fury, who has already set a date.
In an interview with talkSPORT, former world champion Bellew who lost himself to Usyk in 2018, believes Fury is alongside Joshua in the two who have the talent to beat Usyk.
He said: “People won’t like this but the person who gives him the best fight is Tyson Fury, probably.
“People don’t like me saying that but he’s the one who’s given him the most trouble. [Fury] or ‘AJ’.
“The rematch with ‘AJ’, he was level going into round 10.”
Fury himself claims he beat Usyk in both of their fights in 2024, where he was handed the first two losses of his own career.
But the masterful Ukrainian was simply too much for Fury who matched him toe-to-toe but was denied on both occasions on the judges scorecards.
Joshua himself had two attempts at beating Usyk, with his first a complete schooling in a real upset in 2021.
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Usyk defeated Fury twice last year in epic showdownsCredit: GETTY
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Likewise Joshua didn’t get any joyCredit: Matchroom
One year later AJ tried to get his revenge and went close with the current champion, but was edged despite making major improvements.
For now, neither fighter was able to slay ‘The Cat’, who is leaving a legacy of true dominance.
Usyk is now 38-years-old and has suggested he may only have one more fight before retiring from the sport.
A queue of new challengers are waiting for their future shot, which could include British rising star Moses Itauma.
Itauma is being tipped for a destiny at the top of the division, and Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh wants to see the pair meet as a priority.
But it appears Parker is next in line despite the wishes of others.
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But it appears Parker will be next for Usyk
And heavyweight legend Lewis believes it is actually Parker who is best equipped to cause an upset.
He said: “I think Joseph Parker has the best chance right now. I think they’ve been freezing Joseph Parker out.
“Joseph Parker needs that next fight, so get him in there. Joseph Parker has been waiting for his chance.
“I don’t know why he hasn’t had it yet. I think he should be the next fight.”