Oleksandr Usyk passed his first major test in the Heavyweight division by outpointing Derek Chisora and winning their high-stakes clash via unanimous decision.
Ukraine's undefeated Olympic gold medallist and former Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion answered doubts about his natural size by displaying his electric footwork and razor-sharp punch accuracy against Chisora at The SSE Arena, Wembley.
Usyk remains the WBO Mandatory Challenger to Anthony Joshua, who watched from ringside, and who he intends to fight in 2021.
"I was very happy to be back in the ring," Usyk told Matchroom afterwards. "I haven't fought for more than a year. It was a huge pleasure for me. You saw my smile when I went into the ring. I really want to thank god for this victory. Derek has big power, he has strong punches but I was prepared for it.
"I didn't think about his boxing IQ. All I was thinking about was the boxing and what I wanted to do. I am very thankful for Derek giving me this opportunity. I am very thankful to this family and his team. I am happy. He is a good man. Anthony (Joshua), how are you? I am coming for you."
Usyk told Sky Sports: "Chisora a big guy, a hard guy. I was expecting a fight like that, I was expecting a tougher fight. My plan is to go to my home, maximum time with my family. Training and improving myself. Not just World Champion, the Undisputed World Champion [is my aim]."
A disappointed Chisora reacted to defeat: "I feel great. I was pushing the pace. I'm just disappointed with the result, gutted. To everybody who can't make it [to the fight], I'm gutted for everybody. In the Heavyweight game, you have to fight not box. I gave a couple of rounds away."
