Usyk vs Bellew: Tale of the tape – how two boxers match up for tonight

TONY BELLEW will once again aim to shock the boxing world tonight.

He challenges unbeaten Oleksandr Usyk for the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO world cruiserweight titles.

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Bellew defined the odds when triumphed against Ilunga Makabu in 2016 to become WBC crusierweight champion, before moving up to heavyweight where he beat rival David Haye twice.

How do Oleksandr Usyk and Tony Bellew match up?

Bellew comes into the fight with the slight height advantage standing at 6ft 4ins compared to Usyk's 6ft 3ins frame.

Despite Bellew dropping back down to crusierweight, Usyk competed in the World Series Boxing at heavyweight where he was no stranger to meeting bigger opponents - even recording a win against rising contender Joe Joyce.

At 31 Usyk is four years Bellew's junior, however, after spending an extended period of time as an elite amateur boxer for Ukrainian, 'The Cat' turned professional later than expected an has just 15 wins in as many bouts compared to Bomber's 33 fight career.

Although Bellew has the advantage in the paid ranks, Usyk has been involved in more world tile fights with six, compared to his opponents four.

When is Oleksandr Usyk vs Tony Bellew?

This crusierweight world title fight will take place on Saturday, November 10.

It will be held at the Manchester Arena.

The boxers are expected to make their way to the ring at around 10pm.

What live stream and TV channel is it on?

The fight will be broadcast live on in the UK at a price of £19.95 and sports streaming site DAZN in the US.

• Sky Box Office is on Sky channel 491 and 492(HD) and also on Virgin Media and Talk Talk.
• To watch though PC or Mac the fight will also be live streamed through Sky's web player.
• For Now TV viewers, get it through the Sky Sports Box Office App.
• For iPhone, iPad, Android Phone and Android Tablet users download the Sky Sports Box Office app from either the Apple or Play Store.
• You will not be able to watch the event through a Sky or Virgin box if purchased to stream online or via the Box Office apps.

Where the fight will be won

Bellew

The former WBC champion possesses a better boxing IQ than he is credited for - and this was on show in his rematch against Haye.

Bellew must deploy the same strategic gameplan he showcased in May, as he allowed Haye to commit to attacks he could read and come back with counter punches.

Usyk is a formidable boxer he likes to get in a groove through making his opponent come forward and stepping in and out of range firing well time counter attacks - this was showcased against Murat Gassiev in the World Boxing Super Series final, as the Russian was simply outclassed.

Bellew must not come forward with needless aggression throwing big shots early - like he did against Makabu where he was dropped but subsequently forced a brutal knockout.

Bomber needs to put Usyk out of his comfort zone by letting him come forward and throw more shots than he would otherwise do and set up the opportunity to land a big left-hook.

Once Bellew breaks Usyk's rythem he can pounce on his opponents need to otherthink and dictate the fight with his jab and force his man back - but of course, the counter left-hook could be the decider for the proud Scouser.

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Usyk

For a crusierweight Usyk has incredible footwork, something he has mastered with his friend and countrymen Vasyl Lomachenko - however, while the quick feet looks easy on the eye, it's also a key component to the Ukrainian's success.

Usyk has to establish a rythem early on - he has showcased the ability to throw combinations with fluidity while stepping in and out of range at just the right time.

When Usyk is able to relax and let his punches go, like against Gassiev and Marco Huck in the WBSS he is hard to break down - however, in the tournament semi-final, Mairis Briedis forced The Cat into a brawl and made the affair tight.

Usyk cannot afford to be dragged into a war in mid-range, like against Briedis as this will be where Bellew can exploit his power - the Ukrainian has to keep the action at range and set everything up behind his southpaw jab.

Usyk needs to keep on the move at least flicking out a jab before looking for combination punches, as Bellew showcased against Haye and Makabu when the opportunity to sit down on his shots and trade leather comes, the Bomber can take his chances.