Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed speculation among fans that he boxed within himself during his 2020 win against Derek Chisora in order to tempt then-world champion Anthony Joshua into a fight.
In just his second outing as a heavyweight, having already become the undisputed world cruiserweight champion, Usyk prevailed in the stern test by a unanimous decision.
At the time many believed the display to be fairly consistent with a fighter still adjusting to the step up in weight class against an experienced campaigner in the division.
But following two convincing victories against Joshua in 2021 and 2022, which now see the Ukrainian hold the WBO, WBA, IBO and IBF world titles, many have queried why he appeared to struggle against Chisora.
Well, Usyk, ahead of his second title defence against Daniel Dubois this weekend, has confirmed the rumours.
Oleksandr Usyk struggled at points during his unanimous decision victory against Chisora
Usyk went on to convincingly beat Anthony Joshua to win and then retain the world titles
Daniel Dubois acquired the services of Don Charles (right) for his bout with Oleksandr Usyk
‘Yes this is true,’ he told Queensberry Promotions when asked if he backed off against the Brit in 2020.
The 36-year-old is making his first return to the ring after defending the unified world titles he took from Joshua a year ago.
The unbeaten Ukrainian was hoping to fight Tyson Fury next, but talks collapsed and left him with a bout against mandatory challenger Dubois.
The 25-year-old Brit has won 18 of his 19 fights via knockout and will aim to unsettle the southpaw with his power. But, as shown in his stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, Dubois must beware of his own deficiencies.