Serbian Giant revealed as Olexander Usyk’s sparring partner ahead of Tyson Fury showdown
A fundamental part of any of the elite’s training camps is learning how to deal with the opponent in front of you, whch can be a near-impossible task, as no two boxers are exactly the same.
Recently it has been revealed that the man helping Olexander Usyk (21-0, 14KO) prepare for his undisputed showdown with Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24KO) on February 17th is 6’ 8½” heavyweight giant, Sanel Hasanovic (7-1-1, 6KO).
The Serbian giant boasts a professional record of seven wins, one loss and one draw. While he may not be near the same technical level as Tyson Fury, finding men as tall as the ‘The Gypsy King’ is a tricky task, and Hasanovic may be the best man for the job considering he is just half-an-inch shorter than the 6’ 9”Morecombe man.
A pivotal fight in the modern era of heavyweight boxing, the February clash will see one man set to suffer with their first professional loss, whilst the other will leave the ring regarded as the best of the generation.
Hasanovic believes that the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Usyk, will have enough in his the locker to claim the ultimate prize in just over a month’s time.
Taking to social media, the 25-year-old Serbian posted; “@Usykaa, after some serious sparring, I believe you will emerge victorious in the fight against Tyson Fury!
“Also, thanks to my team @KUCBoxingPromotion for the support and promotion!”
Fury has also been looking to emulate his fellow heavyweight titan, calling in former IBF World cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19KO) to help him prepare. The Aussie has a very similar style to the Ukrainian, both undefeated southpaws.
Speaking in October, Sydney’s Opetaia made it clear that he is unsure who will emerge victorious between the two heavyweight champions.
“I don’t know [who wins], I like Usyk’s style, he throws a lot of punches, but Tyson Fury knows how to use his strengths, that big 6ft 9 giant, he knows how to use it. He’s got a good ring IQ but it’s a fight I’d definitely be tuning in to.”
The fight is scheduled for February 17th, taking place in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, and will likely go down as the most-watched fight of 2024 as the winner will be crownd the first undisputed heavweight champion since 1999.
Who is Sanel Hasanovic?
Sanel was born in Novi Pazar, Serbia on January 1st, 1991, and is 25-years-old.
He is managed my Almin Kuc.
He is currently ranked No.2 heavyweight in Serbia, behind No.1 Dusan Veletic (8-1-1, 5KO).
His 85% KO ratio is evidence of his power. He likes to drive in big right hooks to his opponents' heads when he fights.
He has sparred many rounds with Croatian Filip Hrgovic.
Sanel is a devout Muslim.