Bernard Hopkins is given his backing to Oleksandr Usyk as the Ukrainian star gets ready to face Tyson Fury for a second time.
The fight, live on DAZN on December 21, will see two of boxing’s best fighters collide for a second time this year following an eventful first meeting back in May.
Then, Fury enjoyed some success in the fight’s first half before a disastrous ninth round saw him receive a standing count.
The British fighter would eventually lose a split decision on the scorecards, but a rematch clause was immediately activated by Fury.
Fury begins the sequel a small underdog as he looks to become the first man to inflict defeat on Usyk in his professional career.
Hopkins, himself a former undisputed ruler, is the latest high-profile figure to have his say on the contest and he thinks Usyk will claim another victory over his great rival.
"I think the smaller guy is really the big guy in heart and the big guy in talent," said Hopkins when speaking to Fight Hub TV .
"I believe Usyk has his number, and I believe that he’s not a big heavyweight, which I think helps him in this particular fight.
"I just think he has the IQ that Tyson Fury won’t be able to keep up and withstand as time or rounds go on. I like Usyk, possibly by stoppage late, and not from a punch, I think it will just be a mercy call by the referee."
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