OLEKSANDR UYSK has become a full-fledged heavyweight, having gained weight in preparation for his highly-anticipated encounter with Anthony Joshua.
The undefeated Ukrainian champion will take on AJ for the unified Heavyweight titles a week later at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Alexander Krassuyk, the Olympian's promoter, believes he's a fully-fledged heavyweight
Usyk, who is 34 years old, has been putting in more muscle before he makes his debut in the division.
Alexander Krassuyk, the promoter of the undisputed cruiserweight champion, believes he is more than willing to mix it up with the big boys in the division.
Interview with ESPN: Krassuyk stated that his countryman was hard working in an interview.
"Building his body to the heavyweight division, and now he's truly a heavyweight.
"No one can claim that he is a Cruiserweight fighting as heavyweights like Chris Byrd." Oleksandr is now a natural heavyweight."
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, was impressed by Usyk’s transformation, but is insistent that he will never be a "real heavyweight".
Matchroom Boxing's chief executive stated that Usyk would never be considered a full-fledged heavyweight. He is a true heavyweight in terms size.
"What he will always possess is a great deal of skill.
"It takes time to get into heavyweight. So let's put it this way: It would have been a lot easier fight against AJ a year and a half ago.
"Now that Usyk has fought in a real heavyweight contest in Chisora it will help him to begin to understand what is needed.
But AJ is a different type of beast. We'll see. A big man will always beat a small one.
Joshua anticipates a difficult challenge from Usyk, and is looking forward to the tactical battle with his Olympic gold medalist.
According to him, "On paper, he is number two behind Wladimir Klitschko.
Although technically they are very different, on paper they are the same. He is an Olympic gold medallist and reigned for more than 10 years. He's number one.
"But Usyk is number 2 because of his success at the cruiserweight, and his so far at heavyweight."
"One of his strengths, he's getting into the ring alongside me.
"I have to give him credit for this, it's going be difficult."
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