Usyk vs Chisora: UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov lends backing to Oleksandr Usyk
Usyk fights Chisora in a high-stakes heavyweight battle on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office
Monday 26 October 2020 13:50, UK
The UFC's Khabib Nurmagomedov has paid tribute to the skills of Oleksandr Usyk who faces Derek Chisora at the weekend.
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Usyk and Chisora's battle on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, will have consequences on the world heavyweight title picture heading into 2021.
Now Ukraine's Usyk has received support from Russia's Nurmagomedov, who emphatically defeated Justin Gaethje in a UFC lightweight title defence last weekend, then emotionally insisted he would retire.
Speaking prior to Vasiliy Lomachenko's loss to Teofimo Lopez, Nurmagodemov gave his thoughts on boxing's pound-for-pound best: "Right now, I think three guys. Oleksandr Usyk, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Canelo Alvarez.
"Oh sorry, Tyson Fury too. Four guys. It's very hard [to decide] who is the best.
"I really want to see Usyk vs Fury. It's going to be a very good fight. He [Usyk] has very good skill and technique, Tyson Fury too.
"[Usyk] is not like other heavyweights, more technique, his footwork is very good, his conditioning is very good, I really want to watch Usyk against Fury."
The night that nearly ruined Chisora
"A lot of good came out of that fight, in the end. Maybe that's why Derek is where he's at today. There was a silver lining.
"I know Derek has stopped drinking because, at a couple of the clubs he goes to, I'm told that he just has an orange juice, says hello, then goes home."
How Usyk vs Chisora was agreed
Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: "When we heard the news from the government that fans weren't allowed in October, I thought it would be dead. But it gave me more incentive to make it happen.
"It still came down to the desire of Del, Usyk and [Chisora's manager] David Haye who was the driving force behind it. We found a way."
Read the full story of how the fight was sealed here
Watch Usyk vs Chisora on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, from 6pm. Book it via your Sky remote or book it online here. Even if you aren't a Sky TV subscriber you can book and watch it here.
