Usyk vs Chisora fight confirmed for Oct. 31

Ukranian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk will face Britain’s Derek Chisora on Oct. 31, Matchroom confirmed on Wednesday.

The fight, which was originally scheduled for May 23, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. A venue is yet to be announced.

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Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) moved to heavyweight after ending his cruiserweight spell as undisputed king with an impressive run of victories against Marco Huck, Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev and Tony Bellew.

Usyk, 33, began targeting the heavyweight belts when he beat Chazz Witherspoon in seven rounds in Chicago last October. Winning the latest bout against Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs), will set him up for a WBO mandatory fight against Anthony Joshua.

Chisora, 36, hasn’t fought since knocking out David Price in four rounds in October 2019, and the north Londoner has nothing to lose as Usyk targets the world title.

“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,” Chisora said.

Former cruiserweight undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk could be a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Usyk said: “I have really missed boxing. I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on Oct. 31. I expect a real test in Derek – 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.

“Many people say that Derek is a monster, but deep down he is a kind man. I don’t expect to see that good side of him. I know that he wants to break me, but I am water, wind and fire all together. Derek Chisora, I am coming for you!”

In response to the UK Government’s announcement on Tuesday that fans will not be able to attend sporting events for at least six months, promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Yesterday’s news from the Government was a kick in the nuts, so to bounce back with this fight at this time is so important for boxing.

“You’ve either got to sit back and say ‘it’s not possible’ or find a way to make it happen, and I’ve got to say a big thanks to Team Usyk, ‘Del Boy’ and David Haye for staying patient and helping get this over the line.

“It’s an absolute firecracker and a fight that’s so important to the Heavyweight division over the next few months.”

DAZN will carry the fight in the United States and it will be a Sky Box Office pay-per-view in the United Kingdom