Tony Bellew Picks Oleksandr Usyk Over Prime Evander Holyfield: “He’d Be Too Much”

When it comes to dream matchups in boxing history, fans often wonder how today’s champions would fare against the legends of the past. One recent debate was sparked by former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew, who shared his thoughts on a hypothetical clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Evander Holyfield in their primes.

Bellew, who once shared the ring with Usyk in 2018, believes there is no doubt about who would win. For him, Usyk’s technical brilliance and unmatched footwork would be “too much” for even the great Evander Holyfield.

The Shared Legacy of Oleksandr Usyk and Evander Holyfield

Both Usyk and Holyfield belong to a very exclusive club: fighters who became undisputed cruiserweight champions before moving up to conquer the heavyweight division. This rare achievement has placed them in boxing’s history books as two of the sport’s greatest multi-division champions.

• Oleksandr Usyk first dominated at 200 lbs, becoming undisputed after beating Murat Gassiev. He then moved up to heavyweight, where he achieved victories over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois, cementing himself as a two-time undisputed champion.

• Evander Holyfield, meanwhile, made his name in the 1990s by defeating legends such as Buster Douglas, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, and even Mike Tyson in their unforgettable encounters. Although he fell short against Lennox Lewis in his quest to reclaim undisputed status, Holyfield’s career remains one of the most decorated in heavyweight history.

This shared path makes a fantasy fight between them one of the most fascinating “what if” matchups fans could ever imagine.

Tony Bellew’s Unique Perspective

Tony Bellew is one of the few fighters who can give a firsthand account of what it’s like to face Oleksandr Usyk. In 2018, Bellew challenged the Ukrainian for his undisputed cruiserweight crown. Despite a brave performance, Bellew was stopped in the later rounds. That experience gave him deep respect for Usyk’s skill set.

In a recent interview with Sporting Talk, Bellew explained:

“I used to think Evander Holyfield would beat every cruiserweight ever, but I don’t. I think Usyk would beat him. I think the footwork would have to be too much. Yes, [he beats him at both cruiserweight and heavyweight]. Evander Holyfield is a truly amazing fighter, but Usyk won’t engage. Usyk would box Holyfield the way he boxed Murat Gassiev. An unbelievable performance. He adapts to the opponents that he’s facing.”

This statement highlights what Bellew believes is the defining difference: Usyk’s adaptability and technical control. While Holyfield thrived in battles of attrition, Usyk excels at neutralizing opponents, dictating range, and avoiding unnecessary exchanges.

Comparing Styles: Usyk vs Holyfield

To evaluate Bellew’s prediction, it’s important to consider the styles and strengths of both men.

Evander Holyfield’s Style

• Holyfield was known for his relentless work rate, warrior spirit, and ability to fight effectively on the inside.

• He could withstand punishment while dishing out combinations that broke down even the toughest opponents.

• Holyfield often thrived in slugfests, famously defeating Mike Tyson in their first fight through sheer determination and sharp counterpunching.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Style

• Usyk is celebrated for his elite footwork, ring IQ, and defensive mastery.

• He rarely allows fights to turn into brawls, instead controlling distance and frustrating opponents with movement and precise punching.

• Against Anthony Joshua, Usyk showcased his ability to outbox larger, stronger opponents with speed and accuracy.

The Clash

While Holyfield’s aggression could trouble many, Bellew believes Usyk’s footwork and discipline would neutralize it. By staying elusive and sticking to a tactical game plan, Usyk could prevent Holyfield from turning the fight into the kind of war he excelled in.

Usyk’s Place in Boxing History

Now 39 years old, Oleksandr Usyk is approaching the twilight of his career. Yet, his accomplishments already place him among the all-time greats.

• Undisputed Champion at Cruiserweight

• Two-Time Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

• Wins over multiple champions including Joshua, Fury, and Dubois

This résumé has already sparked discussions about Usyk’s legacy compared to fighters like Holyfield. If Bellew’s prediction holds, Usyk might not only be considered the best of his generation but also someone capable of outclassing legends from the past.

Holyfield’s Legacy as “The Real Deal”

Even if Bellew gives the edge to Usyk, Evander Holyfield’s legacy is untouchable. Known as “The Real Deal,” Holyfield was one of the most courageous and determined fighters ever to step into the ring.

• He became the only four-time heavyweight champion in history.

• His bouts against Tyson, Foreman, and Bowe remain iconic moments in boxing.

• Holyfield’s blend of grit, heart, and technical ability made him one of the most beloved champions of all time.

Comparing eras is always complicated, but Holyfield’s achievements ensure he will forever be remembered as a legend of the sport.

Who’s Next for Oleksandr Usyk?

While fantasy matchups dominate fan discussions, Usyk still has live opponents waiting in the real world. At 39, he appears determined to fight again before retiring. The question is: who will be in the opposite corner?

Potential future opponents include:

• Tyson Fury, who has called for a trilogy bout in 2026.

• Joseph Parker, currently in line as a WBO mandatory challenger.

• Rising star Moses Itauma, who has publicly expressed interest in facing Usyk.

Whether it’s a veteran like Fury or a hungry young contender like Itauma, Usyk’s next fight is sure to draw massive attention.

Why Bellew’s Opinion Matters

Tony Bellew’s insights carry weight because he personally experienced Usyk’s dominance. Unlike fans or analysts who speculate from the outside, Bellew knows firsthand how difficult it is to solve the puzzle that is Oleksandr Usyk. His perspective reinforces the idea that Usyk’s unique style and adaptability make him one of the toughest fighters in boxing history to beat.

Final Thoughts

The debate between Oleksandr Usyk and Evander Holyfield will remain just that—a fantasy. But Tony Bellew’s prediction adds fuel to the conversation by framing Usyk as the fighter who could outshine even the greatest of the past.

Holyfield’s courage and determination made him “The Real Deal,” while Usyk’s precision and footwork have established him as one of the finest technicians the sport has ever seen.

In the end, whether or not Usyk would defeat Holyfield, the discussion itself underscores the greatness of both men. One thing is certain: boxing fans are privileged to witness the careers of fighters who define entire eras of the sport.