By Daniel Gonzalez

Chicago, Illinois – In his much anticipated heavyweight debut at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk (17-0,13KOs), outboxed and dominated late replacement Chazz Witherspoon (38-4, 29 KOs).

The 2018 fighter of the year and former Olympic Gold medalist started slowly, but his conditioning and punch output overwhelmed the 38 year old Witherspoon.  Witherspoon’s corner elected to stop the fight at the end of the 7th round and told Referee Hecto Afu that he could not continue.   

Witherspoon, who had been inactive leading up to this fight was a late replacement for Tyrone Spong (14-0, 13 KOs).  Spong came up positive for clomiphene in tests administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association on Monday and had to be replaced late Monday.  Although Witherspoon came in weighing 242 pounds and not in the best of shape, he is a heavyweight that has had some significant ring experience.  He not only was an Olympic alternate, he has been in the ring with Chris Arreola and Seth Mitchell.  Although, he suffered knockout losses to both Arreola and Mitchell, he turned out to be a credible opponent for Usyk’s step up to the glamour division of boxing.

Usyk, who was originally scheduled to fight Charles Takam in May of this year in first heavyweight bout, had to to reschedule as a result of a torn bicep leading up to the fight.  The Ukrainian southpaw, who is known for his boxing skill and footwork, was able to display this to the 9000 plus in attendance, but it took him sometime to do so.  He was cautious in the early rounds.  Presumably, Usyk wanted to see how the power of the larger Witherspoon would impact him. However, it was clear after the first 3 rounds that Usyk was undoubtedly the fresher and more superior athlete in the ring.  He used his jab to work his way into landing the his straight left, and it was only a matter of time before Witherspoon ran out of gas.  When Usyk pressed Witherspoon and let his hands go throwing combinations, he was dominant.

Although Usyk was able to get passed Witherspoon decisively, the question remains whether he will be able to compete with heavyweights the size of Deontay Wilder (6ft-7in), Anthony Joshua (6ft-6in) or Tyson Fury (6ft-9in).  Believe it or not, the current WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight title holder, Andy Ruiz, would be the only big name heavyweight that Usyk would not have a significant height disadvantage against.  Based on his first heavyweight performance and his sheer boxing ability, he undoubtedly makes the already interesting heavyweight division even more interesting.

Usyk cleaned out the cruiserweight division in spectacular fashion.  Can he do the same in the heavyweight division and have the same success as the great Evander Holyfield?  Like his Ukrainian friend and fellow Olympian, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Usyk does not seem afraid to test himself against the very best.  In the post fight interview on DAZN, he made is abundantly clear that he is ready for whoever.  Is he?

Daniel Gonzalez is a Senior Boxing Writer. Dan writes for many publications including Boxing Action Magazine, www.BoxingAction24.com and www.SideStepBoxing.com

Photo courtesy of Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing USA