Oleksandr Usyk labelled ‘average’ in boxing icon’s brutal verdict on modern heavyweights

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There is a strong case to be made that Oleksandr Usyk is currently the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Since Terence Crawford hung up his gloves, there has not been much debate around Usyk holding that title. His career speaks for itself, especially after becoming undisputed champion in two different weight classes.

After moving up to heavyweight, he beat each of his main rivals – Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois – twice. It was a run that put him firmly among the elite names in boxing history.

James Toney takes aim at modern heavyweights

James Toney, who won titles in three weight classes and fought across 92 professional bouts, is not impressed with the current state of the heavyweight division.

‘Lights Out’ has never been shy about sharing his opinions, and he did not hold back when speaking about boxing’s most star-studded division to Fight Hub TV.

“Usyk’s good, but he’s average. He’s not great. None of these fighters are all-time greats. None of these fighters will be,” Toney began by saying.

“I’m sorry, it’s not my era. They’re not fighting nobody. They don’t wanna fight.

“The only way you become great is by fighting people who are great.”

What is next for Oleksandr Usyk?

Usyk has not fought since knocking out Dubois for the second time last July.

‘The Joker’ had been eyeing a bout with Deontay Wilder but ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has now signed on to face Derek Chisora instead.

Turki Alalshikh, who has significant influence in boxing these days, wants Usyk’s return to be against a fighter with only one professional win, the kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven.

“I want to see him against Oleksandr Usyk,” the Saudi boxing chief wrote under a compilation of knockouts by the Dutchman.

Responding to the most powerful man in boxing, Verhoeven proposed a wild ruleset.

He published on X: “That is the challenge I’ve been waiting for. UNDISPUTED vs UNDISPUTED.

“1 round boxing / 1 round kickboxing. Let’s see if we can get to 12.”

While Usyk reposted Alalshikh’s suggested bout, he has not indicated whether he is genuinely interested in fighting Verhoeven next.