Oleksandr Usyk – Thabiso Mchunu: A Closer Look

By Jeffrey “Italian Medallion” Cellini

On Saturday, December 17th, newly crowned WBO World Cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk,10-0, 9 KO’s, from Kiev, Ukraine, will make his first defense against world ranked contender Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu, 17-2, 11 KO’s at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The fight will be part of the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast that will also feature two-division world champion and future Hall-of-Famer Bernard Hopkins, 55-7-2, 32 KO’s and light heavyweight contender Joe Smith JR, 21-1 18 KO’s.

“This is a great opportunity, I’m very excited to fight for the first time in the United States and on HBO,” said Oleksandr Usyk. “After winning the world title in September, fighting in America was the next goal and I promise the fans in Los Angeles and those watching on HBO a great performance,” said Usyk, known for his world class performances, heavy hands and his memorable victory dances.

Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions spoke out about his excitement the upcoming fight stating, “We’re very happy to bring Oleksandr to the United States. He has drawn large crowds to his fights in Ukraine and there is much anticipation for him coming to America and to become the next boxing superstar. His entertaining, all-action style will be a thrill for fight fans at the Fabulous Forum and those watching on HBO. Having seen the Los Angeles fans’ reaction to both Gennady Golovkin and Roman Gonzalez’s fights at The Fabulous Forum with its rich boxing and entertainment history, this venue is a special place for star making performances.”

Kathy Duva of Main Events stated, “Thabiso jumped at this opportunity the moment the offer was conveyed without hesitation. He is coming to win and it will be a great fight. I would also give all the credit in the world to Usyk for taking on such a tough challenge in his first defense of the title.” The 29-year-old Usyk, who won Olympic Gold at the London Games in 2012 and signed with K2 Promotions, scored knockouts in his first nine bouts in front of big crowds in Ukraine and Germany. On September 17, 2016, Usyk won the WBO Cruiserweight World Title from champion Krzysztof Glowacki, brilliantly dominating the action over 12 rounds in Gdansk, Poland. Usyk is currently world ranked #3 by Ring Magazine in the cruiserweight division.

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