Oleksandr Usyk does not give boring answers, and this time, he went even further. In a recent chat with the Daily Mail, the unified heavyweight champion shared his list of the hardest punchers he has faced. The names sounded familiar at first, but the top spot quickly turned heads.
The 30-year-old Ukrainian boxer placed Murat Gassiev at number five and Mairis Briedis at number four. Both are respected fighters with serious power, and fans expected to see them mentioned. Then came Tyson Fury at number three and Derek Chisora at number two, which already raised a few eyebrows before the real shock landed.
However, the number one spot did not go to a boxer. Usyk said the hardest punch he has ever taken came from a horse when he was a kid. It sounded almost unreal, but he told the story with calm, detailed precision that made it feel very real.
He explained that he was 12 years old at the time of the incident. The horse struck him in the head and knocked him out cold. When he woke up, he asked if he was still alive, which says everything about the force of that hit.
The heavyweight champ described losing consciousness instantly and waking up confused and hurt. Blood was coming from his head, and the shock of the moment stayed with him long after the injury healed.
Why Chisora Is ranked above Fury
Usyk / IG / The biggest talking point among boxing fans is not the horse. It is Derek Chisora sitting above Tyson Fury. That choice surprised many people, especially since Usyk fought and defeated Fury twice in 2024.
Usyk explained this in a straightforward way. He sees Fury as the toughest opponent overall, not the hardest puncher. Fury brings size, movement, and ring intelligence that make him difficult to deal with over a full fight.
Chisora, on the other hand, delivers raw power that you feel instantly. Usyk has said before that Chisora’s punches felt like being hit with a baseball bat. That kind of impact stays with a fighter, even if they win the fight.
Their 2020 fight showed exactly what Usyk meant. Chisora came forward with pressure and heavy shots from the opening bell. Usyk had to stay sharp, move constantly, and avoid getting caught clean too often.
Fury’s Power Versus His Presence
Tyson Fury is not known as a one-punch knockout artist like some heavyweights. His strength comes from his ability to control fights, use his size, and break opponents down over time.
Usyk’s ranking reflects that difference. He respects Fury’s ability to make fights hard, but he separates that from pure punching power. That distinction matters when a fighter talks about what hurts the most.
In their two fights, Fury tested Usyk in many ways. He leaned on him, pushed him around, and used his reach to keep him at a distance. Those challenges made the fights complex and demanding.
The Missing Names Raise Questions
Usyk / IG / Fighters like Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are known for their knockout power, yet they were not included in this ranking of Usyk.
This does not mean they lack strength. It simply shows how personal these rankings are. A punch that drops one fighter might not feel the same to another. Usyk has faced Joshua twice and handled his power well. He stayed composed, avoided big shots, and controlled the pace of both fights.
Dubois is another strong puncher, but Usyk’s experience against him did not leave the same impression. That highlights how timing, angle, and context all play a role in how a punch feels.