Dereck Chisora to face Oleksandr Usyk on 31 October

Winner of the heavyweight clash is set to challenge Anthony Joshua for the WBO title

Sports Staff
Wednesday 23 September 2020 14:20 BST
Comments
Tyson Fury responds to Deontay Wilder blaming defeat on his outfit

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Oleksandr Usyk will face Dereck Chisora in their rescheduled heavyweight fight on 31 October.

The clash was originally scheduled for 23 May but it was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and they will instead share the ring next month, with a venue to be confirmed in due course.

Former undisputed cruiserweight king Usyk has made the step up to the heavyweight division and must overcome Chisora to remain on course for a WBO mandatory title fight with unified champion Anthony Joshua.

"I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance," said Usyk.

"I expect a real test in Dereck - he is strong, tough and resilient. He is a really big guy and he hits hard.

"As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight. I need to test myself against world-class heavyweights on my new road to undisputed and Derek stands in front of me."

Chisora said: "Usyk, I've been ready for you all year. It's my home turf and after such a tough year for everyone, I'm going to give the British public the Halloween party they deserve and finally get revenge for my boy Tony Bellew."

Usyk defeated Bellew in his final fight at cruiserweight in November 2018 to become undisputed champion. The Ukrainian, 33, won his first fight at heavyweight after stopping Chazz Witherspoon in round seven in Chicago in October 2019.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in