Oleksandr Usyk ‘absolutely bossed’ Wladimir Klitschko after just one round of sparring – who then lost to Tyson Fury in 2015

Oleksandr Usyk once ‘bossed’ Wladimir Klitschko in a sparring session so convincingly that the former world heavyweight champion threw him out of the ring.

The 34-year-old from Ukraine won convincingly on his professional heavyweight debut just over 13 months ago, but faces a sterner examination against Derek Chisora on Saturday night.

Chisora is enjoying an Indian summer in his career after stopping Artur Szpilka and David Price in 2019 to set up a bout with the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.

Dave Allen has sparred both men and believes that, although Usyk is one of the most talented fighters he has ever faced; it will take just one shot from the heavyweight veteran to put the smaller man to sleep.

However, the Ukrainian has plenty of experience of fighting much larger men from his amateur days and from sparring the likes of compatriot Klitschko.

Prior to his title defence against Tyson Fury, Klitschko sought the skills of his fellow countryman to mimic the elusiveness and awkwardness of the Brit.

However, he clearly did such a good job, ‘Dr Steelhammer’ told him to leave the ring so as to avoid further humiliation in front of the watching crowd.

According to Johnny Nelson, the smaller man made a lasting impression on him.

“I rate Usyk,” Nelson told Behind the Gloves. “When I saw him sparring with Wladimir when Wladimir was preparing for Tyson Fury, I said ‘Who is that guy? Who is he?’

“I had no idea, but I know there was something special about him. He did one round with Wladimir, and Wladimir slung him out and said, ‘get out, not while the press is here.’

“He was making it hard for Wladimir. He was like bossing Wladimir.

“‘Get him out. Get somebody else in,” Nelson said.