FACE-OFF Haye: Usyk is taking Derek lightly.. like AJ did Ruiz

DAVID HAYE claims Oleksandr Usyk has made the same mistake Anthony Joshua did against Andy Ruiz Jr by underestimating Derek Chisora.

Chisora faced off against Usyk yesterday, ahead of their May 23 clash at The O2, and his manager Haye believes the former undisputed world cruiserweight champ is taking his man lightly. Haye feels Usyk is dismissing Chisora, who has lost nine of his 41 fights, in the same way Joshua did with Ruiz before losing to him in New York last June.

“I don’t believe Usyk will see Derek as being any more dangerous than Joshua saw Ruiz first time round and, when that’s the case, you’re going to get upsets,” he said.

“When someone is an 8-1 underdog, the champion, especially if he’s never lost before, will look at someone who has lost nine fights and think, ‘OK, tune-up fight, let’s stay busy’.”

Unbeaten Usyk has only had one other fight at heavyweight and Haye added: “I don’t believe Usyk will be mentally or physically prepared for the onslaught Derek Chisora is going to bring to him.

“And even if he is ready, he’s not a heavyweight. He doesn’t have the firepower to stop Derek in his tracks as he comes forward.”

Usyk, 33, who is 17-0, is the mandatory challenger to Joshua’s WBO crown and Chisora said: “I want to take what he has and make it mine.”

Chisora, 36, appeared at their press conference wearing his trademark GB bandana over his face (top right), while Usyk (top left), wary of the coronavirus, opted for a black and white mask.