Anthony Joshua faces a ‘serious threat’ in the form of Oleksandr Usyk this autumn when the pair fight, according to trainer Peter Fury.
Joshua is set to fight Usyk - his WBO mandatory challenger - on September 25 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, after his expected undisputed heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury fell through this summer.
Usyk had been due to fight Joe Joyce as he waited for his chance for a shot at the title, but was then given the nod by the WBO. The Ukrainian has been in the gym to put on size following his win over Dereck Chisora in October.
Peter Fury, who has previously trained Tyson Fury, warned Joshua over Usyk, telling Sky Sports: "He's very dangerous.
"It's not a walk in the park. Forget cruiserweight. This guy, he's had a couple of fights in the heavyweight division, he's adjusted, he's put the necessary weight on.
"He's a serious heavyweight and a serious talent, so it will be a good fight."
With an increase in strength, plus his experience at a new division and his boxing skill, Usyk is expected to at least, if not challenge, the three-belt champion.
"Yes, of course he has [enough power to gain Joshua's respect]," Fury continued.
"He's an accurate puncher and anybody in the fight trade knows when you're in that body weight bracket, when you're punching correctly, any punchers can do damage.
"Yes, he belongs in the division and he's a serious threat. It's a serious fight. Full credit to Joshua for taking that fight.
"I think it will ultimately be a battle of skills, because you can't run into danger. It's a fight that I'm looking forward to seeing. It's a great fight, a good match-up."