The Cat, 38, has become the undisputed world heavyweight champion for the second time after his fifth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois, 27, last week (19.07.25), and now Bellew, 42, has argued that Usyk’s adaptability would be too much for a prime Iron Mike, 59, to handle.

The Bomber told Esports Insider: “Mike Tyson in his prime was vicious and ruthless, but I think Usyk does to Mike Tyson what he did to Murat Gassiev.

“I think he just stays away and he just stays away. He’s so smart now. He knows how to tie people up. He knows how to lock people down on the inside. He knows how to use a clinching grip.

“He’s adapted and learnt all these little strategies, fight by fight. He learned an awful lot in those Anthony Joshua fights. He’s so fit and he’s so agile and so elusive. He just figures it out.”

After beating Dubois at Wembley Stadium, Usyk has been ordered to defend his WBO heavyweight championship against Joseph Parker.

On social media, the official WBO account wrote: “The WBO has officially ordered negotiations for the mandatory heavyweight title bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker, 33.

“Both parties have 30 days to reach an agreement, or the WBO will proceed to a purse bid. Let the countdown begin.”

Following his victory over Dubiois, Usyk had named Parker as his potential next opponent alongside Tyson Fury, 36, and Anthony Joshua, 35, though The Cat also admitted this may be his last fight.

Speaking ahead of the Dubois match, Usyk told DAZN: “[I am still boxing] because Jesus gives me the opportunity, and I take this.

“Now my goal is to become a three-time undisputed. Listen, I love boxing, training hard. I guess it's my last two fights, with Dubois and next, I don't know who.”