Oleksandr Usyk is undeniably one of the greatest Heavyweights of modern-day boxing. However, James Toney doesn’t feel the same way! The Ukrainian Heavyweight is scheduled to face off against Tyson Fury sometime in February next year. The much-anticipated clash would be the biggest challenge of Usyk’s career thus far as he aims to dethrone ‘The Gypsy King.’

The Oxnard resident currently holds all four belts in the Heavyweight division, having defeated some of the biggest names in the division. Despite all those achievements, Toney doesn’t feel Usyk would last long during his era. So, while appearing in an interview with Marko Boxing, the former world champion expressed his thoughts about Oleksandr Usyk, going as far as to calling him “garbage.” So, the question remains – why does Toney feel that way about Usyk?

James Toney claims Tyson Fury should be ashamed

During the interview, Toney began by suggesting Tyson Fury should be ashamed because he nearly lost to Francis Ngannou. He even claimed that besides Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, there is nobody good in the division. “Man, Tyson Fury should be ashamed of himself. He is the best in the world right now, then you got Wilder, then Joshua. To be honest with you, I don’t know who else,” said Tony.

Later in the interview, the reporter reminded Toney of Oleksandr Usyk. However, the former world champion didn’t have anything good to say about Usyk. “Oh, he’s garbage … The right time, the right moment. If he was in my era, he’d be getting destroyed left and right. Basically, everybody today we’d destroy,” admitted Toney. While Toney dismissed Usyk’s greatness, another former world champion claimed Usyk would have killed him if it wasn’t for the referee.

Former boxing champion thanks referee for saving his life from Oleksandr Usyk

James Toney might not think Usyk has any talent, but Tony Bellew has the exact opposite opinion. Back in November 2018, Bellew fought Usyk and suffered a devastating loss, ending his career for good. So, while appearing on a TV show, the former world champion recollected the fight, claiming the referee saved him from getting killed at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk.

“Thank God the ref didn’t let me. Because he’d have killed me, the ref literally saved my life,” said Bellew. He went on to suggest that if Usyk landed one more hit on him, he would have died. Meanwhile, he claimed that his priority was to get back home safe and sound. “My priority was to make it home safe,” said Bellew.

Also Read: “Even if I Don’t Get It…”: Tyson Fury’s Trainer Contemplates Knockout Against Oleksandr Usyk on February 17

Many would say Oleksandr Usyk is one of the greatest boxers right now, but not James Toney. Do you agree with Toney’s surprising claim? Do you think the Ukrainian Heavyweight can beat Tyson Fury in February? 

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