Oleksandr Usyk: Issac Chamberlain hits hard for a cruiserweight

Oleksandr Usyk is hoping his assistance in training will see Isaac Chamberlain win his ‘British Beef’ battle with Lawrence Okolie and has spoken out regarding the Londoner's punching power.

The Ukrainian has sparred with unbeaten Brixton cruiserweight in the run up to the World Boxing Super Series semi-final that saw overcome Mairis Briedis on points in a classic bout.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Usyk said:

”He wants to improve, get better, every day and every time we spar together and I have seen him get better, step by step,” Usyk exclusively told Sky Sports.

”I give him little bits of advice, especially if he asks. And he definitely hits hard for a cruiserweight.

"I want him to win and would definitely like to see him do it."

Usyk won London Olympic heavyweight gold in 2012, when Anthony Joshua took the super-heavyweight version and is aware of Rio 2016 fighter Okolie.

The 31-year-old holds fond memories of his time London and says he will face Joshua, who manages Okolie, if he moves up to heavyweight but can’t make the trip to support Chamberlain.

“It would nice to go and watch, but after my fight (against Briedis), there is only one thing on my mind, my son’s birthday on February 2.

”But I would like to thank Britain because that is where boxing was born and then built.

”The fans over there still follow me and watch me, so I will always try and show them my best.”