Chazz Witherspoon on Oleksandr Usyk and why he can win

Chazz Witherspoon talked exclusively to FanSided about his upcoming bout with undefeated Oleksandr Usyk and why he can win.

Chazz Witherspoon (38-3, 29 KOs) was named as the new opponent for Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KOs) four days before a scheduled bout after the original opponent Tyrone Spong tested positive for a banned substance. This is likely his last chance at a high profile fight, and Witherspoon wants to make the most of it.

According to the Sportsbook Review, odds on Witherspoon range from 12-1 to 37-1. He’s a massive underdog, but while talking to FanSided, he seemed enthusiastic about his chances.

He wasn’t expecting a call to fight Usyk, but he was happy when the opportunity presented itself.

“I got a call from a business manager. He asked me, ‘would you want to fight Oleksandr Usyk?’ I said yeah, I don’t care,” Witherspoon related to FanSided. “Then he said would you want to fight him Saturday, and I said, uhm, Okay.”

Witherspoon added, “This is an opportunity of a lifetime, so I’m stepping up.”

At 38 years old and a lack of activity in the ring over the last two years, this is Witherspoon’s last hurrah at a significant bout against a world-class opponent. With the odds stacked against him, he has nothing to lose against Usyk.

Despite being a last-second replacement, Witherspoon is adamant that he’s in shape and ready for his big break.

“I’m not coming off the couch,” insisted Witherspoon. “That would be a lie. I wasn’t preparing for a southpaw, but I’m in the gym. Even when I’m out of shape, which I’m not out of shape now, even when I’m out of shape, my out of shape is not most peoples out of shape.”

Witherspoon’s conditioning will be the main factor in deciding how long he lasts with Usyk. Usyk is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, and most expect him to be a success as a heavyweight.

Witherspoon is more of a natural heavyweight than Usyk, so he has a size advantage over the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.

“What I found out is that you can feel the weight behind the shots,” said Witherspoon. “That’s the difference.”

Witherspoon has a wealth of experience as a heavyweight. He has fought professionally for 15 years, but he has lost when matched against elite fighters. Usyk’s skill set is superior to any of Witherspoon’s past opponents.

No one is giving Witherspoon a chance except himself. He’ll need confidence to contend with Usyk.

“Lightning struck one time already this year,” said Witherspoon in reference to Andy Ruiz Jr.’s upset of Anthony Joshua. “I have a puncher’s chance. I punch better than people give me credit for.”