Oleksandr Usyk vs. Chazz Witherspoon: Preview and prediction

Oleksandr Usyk makes his move to heavyweight despite some early fight week drama. Chazz Witherspoon steps into the picture on short notice.

Former undisputed cruiserweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KOs) debuts as a heavyweight Saturday, Oct. 12 on DAZN. He’s got a new opponent, but the result will likely be the same regardless.

Originally, Usyk was slated to fight undefeated heavyweight Tyrone Spong (14-0, 13 KOs). Despite Spong’s perfect record, he didn’t stand much of a chance against Usyk. Fight week was thrown into disarray on Monday, Oct. 7, when it was reported the Spong tested positive for a banned substance.

Eddie Hearn scrambled to find a last-second opponent and came up with aged veteran Chazz Witherspoon (38-3, 29 KOs). Hearn learned the importance of having a backup plan when Jarrell Miller tested positive for numerous PEDs before his scheduled bout with Anthony Joshua.

Witherspoon’s record is respectable, but he has only fought twice in the last two years and is 38 years old. He also has a habit of disappointing in prominent bouts. Witherspoon’s last loss came in 2012 when he was knocked out by Seth Mitchell in round 3.

According to the Sportsbook Review, oddsmakers have Witherspoon anywhere from a 13-1 to a 30-1 underdog. It’s almost a foregone conclusion that he stands no shot against Usyk, barring an act of God.

The big question is, how and when does Usyk stop Witherspoon?

There’s not a significant size difference between the two. Witherspoon is listed as 6-foot-4, and Usyk is 6-foot-3. Based on his appearance during open workouts on Oct. 9, Witherspoon doesn’t appear to be in great shape.

Usyk, on the other hand, looked fit, fast and fierce. He showed his hand speed and juggling skills as he played to the crowd. The 32-year-old Usyk looks to be in his prime.

It’s easy to predict an Usyk victory over Witherspoon, but can Usyk stop him faster than his three previous defeats?

Usyk is a strong puncher, but he’s not a one-punch artist like Deontay Wilder. He uses his skills to break opponents down over time. However, Witherspoon’s lack of preparation mixed with inactivity equals a short night.

During their final press conference, Witherspoon didn’t look to have a size advantage over Usyk despite being listed as one inch taller. Usyk was animated and seemed relaxed as he played to the crowd doing his best Bruce Lee impersonation.

Usyk should equal Seth Mitchell’s 2012 three-round destruction of Witherspoon. Witherspoon is larger than Usyk’s previous opponents, and Usyk wants to give his fans a bit of a show before he ends the fight.