After what former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has achieved in the sport of boxing, many believe no one in the current era of heavyweight boxing can defeat the Ukrainian legend. However, artificial intelligence, which has populated every sector in recent years, says otherwise.

Having made a name for himself in the amateurs and raking up an impressive record of 335 wins and 15 losses, ‘The Cat’ made his professional debut in the cruiserweight division. Like a headhunter, Usyk went to every champion’s home turf and collected each belt to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion. He also made himself known in the heavyweight division, defeating the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to become undisputed. While he has proved he is the best, AI, specifically ChatGPT4o, believes these five boxers can stop his reign.

Anthony Joshua

This might seem wild, and it is, but AI seems to think ‘AJ’ can defeat Oleksandr Usyk. As you may know, Usyk and Joshua have fought twice before back in 2021 and 2022. Despite being shorter and an underdog, Usyk exposed the holes in Joshua’s game, eventually collecting a unanimous decision win for his effort. 

An immediate rematch between the pair ended with the same result, providing a definitive answer to who was the better fighter. But why does ChatGPT believe Joshua might have a chance of winning against Usyk in a third encounter? The reasoning lies in the fact that their second fight was much closer. Based on this, AI has devised a game plan for Joshua to potentially turn the tide.

“If Joshua adopts a more aggressive approach,” AI prompted. “Uses his size and power effectively, and invests heavily in body shots early, he could potentially overwhelm Usyk and capitalize on his physical advantages.” However, here’s the thing, time and time again, Usyk has proved he is a great boxer because of his ability to adapt.

Yes, the second fight was close, but Oleksandr Usyk adapted to Joshua’s elevated aggression and dismantled Joshua again. Realistically, if a third fight were to happen, the same as before would likely be the result. Not to mention, Joshua is not who he used to be. Daniel Dubois made quick work of the former unified champion in their fight last year at Wembley.

Zhilei Zhang

China’s Zhilei Zhang has taken down some notable names in the heavyweight division, but he has largely been relegated to the top 10 heavyweights. He first came into the limelight after defeating Joe Joyce, the knockout artist, twice. This came after Zhang lost to Filip Hrgovic via unanimous decision in 2022.

He had begun his climb to the top and his skills seemed promising, but his loss to Joseph Parker last year halted his ascent and potential to secure a title shot. Since then, Zhang has defeated former world champion Deontay Wilder and is currently slated to square off against Agit Kabayel for the ‘interim’ WBC title.

While impressive, Zhang’s resume and skills don’t fill anyone with confidence about a win over Usyk. But ChatGPT thinks “Zhang’s southpaw stance, heavy hands, and impeccable timing make him a unique threat.” AI also suggested, “Usyk’s mobility could be neutralized by Zhang’s ability to cut off the ring and land powerful counters, particularly with his straight left.”

AI also thinks Zhang’s “durability and patience” makes him a dangerous opponent for Oleksandr Usyk. However, Usyk is also a southpaw, an expert southpaw, at that. Zhang’s boxing stance is not an advantage by any means. Secondly, Usyk has faced opponents with similar skill sets and they have all been defeated.

Furthermore, even Tyson Fury didn’t have an answer to Usyk’s mobility, and Fury is known for tiring people out with his weight and unpredictable jabs.

Daniel Dubois

AI seems to think Daniel Dubois also has a shot at beating Usyk. This theory can be actually put to the test if the potential rematch between the duo comes to fruition. Oleksandr Usyk defeated Dubois back in 2023 via a 9th-round knockout after being dropped himself by what was declared a low blow from Dubois.

There was quite the commotion about it, with half the community claiming the shot was legal while the other protested against it. Frank Warren had appealed the decision but the referee’s call to count it as a low blow stood. Interestingly, experts have also claimed Usyk’s weakness is his body, so there is a smidge of a chance Dubois can take advantage of that once again.

“Despite losing controversially to Usyk in 2023, Dubois showed that his power could trouble the Ukrainian,” AI highlighted. “If Dubois improves his ring craft and learns to close the distance more effectively, his explosiveness could present a serious challenge, particularly if he focuses on Usyk’s body.” 

With Dubois’ recent victory over Anthony Joshua, his motivation appears stronger than ever. He has undeniable power, as demonstrated in his bouts against both Joshua and Hrgovic, coupled with his youth and potential for growth, the possibility of Dubois defeating Oleksandr Usyk cannot be entirely ruled out.

Joe Joyce

Joe Joyce was once a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. While he hadn’t reached the kind of fame and popularity Fury or Joshua enjoyed, his ability to end fights with one shot made him a dangerous opponent to deal with. However, that was in the past, and in recent years, ‘Juggernaut’ is on a downward slope.

Following his two defeats to Zhang in 2023, he bounced back with a win over Kash Ali but lost to gatekeeper Derek Chisora, who, by the way, is on his way out of the sport. Age is also not on his side, as he approaches 42 this year. However, more importantly, Oleksandr Usyk has already defeated Joyce in the amateur ranks. 

Regardless, AI has suggested, “Joyce’s relentless pressure, size, and stamina make him a difficult puzzle for anyone. While Usyk has defeated Joyce in the amateur ranks, a professional bout with a more experienced Joyce could see Joyce using his volume punching and durability to wear down Usyk in the later rounds.”

Andy Ruiz Jr.

Finally, ChatGPT claims former world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. can get the better of Oleksandr Usyk. Ruiz is no stranger to causing upsets, having proved it against Anthony Joshua in 2019. However, discipline and consistency seem to be an issue with the 35-year-old. Ruiz lost his rematch with Joshua in 2019 and came back with wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, but then disappeared. 

Ruiz stayed on the sidelines for the entirety of 2023 and when he came back in the tail end of 2024 against Jarrell Miller, he could only secure a draw. He clearly isn’t on the same level as he used to be a handful of years ago, making his chances of winning bleak at best. However, AI thinks, “Ruiz’s quick hands, excellent combination punching, and ability to close the gap could trouble Usyk, especially if Ruiz cuts off the ring effectively.”

It further added, “His ability to counterpunch in close quarters and capitalize on mistakes gives him an outside shot.” However, given his last performance, doing this would be an uphill battle for him against Oleksandr Usyk. 

That said, it appears ChatGPT came up with the biggest names in the heavyweight division and drummed up a strategy for them to win against Oleksandr Usyk. However, in reality, the task might just be impossible for most. Do you agree with the list? Do you think any of them can beat Usyk? What about fighters from the past? We are all ears!