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‘I would’ve been smarter’… Boxing legend reveals how he would have dethroned Oleksandr Usyk

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Harvey Burton | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 6:20 AM ET

Oleksandr Usyk became a three-time undisputed champion after his second win over Daniel Dubois, and has had many wondering if there is anyone who can go toe-to-toe with him.

Oleksandr Usyk sits high on the all-time great heavyweight list, and even higher on the current pound-for-pound list, after doing the double on Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois.

The Ukrainian dismantled Dubois last time out, dropping him once en route to a fifth-round TKO.

Roy Jones Jr. criticized Dubois’ performance, claiming he brought no new tools to the fight after their first encounter.

Jones has now explained how he would’ve beaten Usyk if the pair ever fought.

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Roy Jones Jr would rely on his speed against Oleksandr Usyk

In an interview with Queensberry, Jones was asked how he would’ve approached a fight with Usyk.

Jones gave a thought-out answer, first suggesting, “There are things you’ve got to take away from Oleksandr Usyk right away. If you don’t take those things away from him you’re not gonna beat him.”

“He’s not an easy sell for anybody to beat, period, but for me, it wouldn’t have been easy, but I’m faster than him. I would’ve used my speed to my advantage […] He’s become a bit more explosive as a puncher, so now he’s taking these guys out in one shot, that’s the only thing he was lacking as a cruiserweight.”

“He’s faster than most of these guys, he has a very high IQ, and now he’s even punching with explosive power. He’s a very hard sell right now, but me? I would’ve been smarter, I was faster, I wouldn’t have given him nothing in the early rounds, but late, I would start pushing him, pushing him. The pressure… I would have made him back up, not let him back me up.”

Jones had nothing but praise for Usyk, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest talents the sport has seen for some time.

Usyk has declared he will rest before making any decision about a future opponent, though many believe it is time Joseph Parker gets his shot.

Roy Jones Jr believes Joseph Parker can trouble Usyk

Jones was later asked about who Usyk may face next, and what issues they could pose, to which Jones stated,

“The best guy right now is Joseph Parker. Why? Because he’s not a big, big heavyweight. He’s quick, he throws combinations, he has a great trainer with him in Andy Lee, and he’s more comfortable than I’ve ever seen him in his whole career.”