Usky next move??

[Onetimeonly]

The size difference would be a massive problem for Usyk. He'd do well to get close.

Fury is wide open and barely punches. Walk in the park.

You tell that to Klitschko.

If usyk refuses to punch, fair enough.

[candyslim]

Klitschko didn't refuse to punch. He was accustomed to being the the better boxer, and even if he wasn't, his advantages in height and reach meant he could still outscore his opponent. Throw in the strength to out-muscle the other guy and the power to keep them respectful, it's little wonder he was so dominant for so long.

Imagine then he's confronted with the awkward and elusive Fury (2015 version) quicker on his feet, longer reach, taller, stronger. All of his favourite tactics - strong arming his opponent, leaning all over him, swaying back out of range of his punches, are suddenly ineffective and the cherry out the top, when Wlad tries to set himself to throw meaningful punches the sodding target isn't still where he's aiming.

There's no great mystery to Wlad's befuddlement. Now the Fury of that night may well do the same to Joshua or he may not. I've no doubt today's version wouldn't and I don't expect this version to survive Wilder either.

[Onetimeonly]

Fury deserves big credit for the victory, but they both looked like crap.

[candyslim]

It certainly wasn't much of a spectacle, I'll give you that.

[Syntax Error]

I think he should target someone like Brezeale, a big solid guy with recognition, but nothing too special.

Usyk would be able to get a feel for fighting someone bigger & stronger, but someone he can showcase his skills against.

If he gets past Brezeale, then I'd try and get Parker.

Parker is not a huge HW, but he does have a similar skillset to Usyk, fast hands, good movement & technically sound & he's a recent trinket holder, so he's a good gateway opponent.

It would be a chess match of a fight, but it would be a good test for Usyk.


I'm not certain he'd beat Parker, but if he does, he's definitely ready for the big time.

[DrDuke]

I think he should target someone like Brezeale, a big solid guy with recognition, but nothing too special.

Usyk would be able to get a feel for fighting someone bigger & stronger, but someone he can showcase his skills against.

If he gets past Brezeale, then I'd try and get Parker.

Parker is not a huge HW, but he does have a similar skillset to Usyk, fast hands, good movement & technically sound & he's a recent trinket holder, so he's a good gateway opponent.

It would be a chess match of a fight, but it would be a good test for Usyk.


I'm not certain he'd beat Parker, but if he does, he's definitely ready for the big time.

Breazeale and Parker are good options. But in comparison to you I'm more confident, that he'll beat Parker, cause Parker was always pretty lackluster against the top opposition, his best performance was in a loss to Joshua.

[Syntax Error]

I think he should target someone like Brezeale, a big solid guy with recognition, but nothing too special.

Usyk would be able to get a feel for fighting someone bigger & stronger, but someone he can showcase his skills against.

If he gets past Brezeale, then I'd try and get Parker.

Parker is not a huge HW, but he does have a similar skillset to Usyk, fast hands, good movement & technically sound & he's a recent trinket holder, so he's a good gateway opponent.

It would be a chess match of a fight, but it would be a good test for Usyk.


I'm not certain he'd beat Parker, but if he does, he's definitely ready for the big time.

Breazeale and Parker are good options. But in comparison to you I'm more confident, that he'll beat Parker, cause Parker was always pretty lackluster against the top opposition, his best performance was in a loss to Joshua.

Yes, you've got a point, Parker, somewhat frustratingly seems to go into his shell when he faces a big name.

[DTagg]

No way will we see Hearn put Allan anywhere near Usyk. After his performance on the Usyk/Bellew undercard I think it would pretty much murder to put Allan in with anyone that good.

Then again I like Allan and think he has potential, definitely to find success at a much higher level than his is now - but needs a big test for him to start taking his fights seriously but Usyk would be too much.

I don't know who they'll chuck Usyk in with to begin with, hopefully its a big name but I doubt it will be. I'd like to see him fight Luis Ortiz. Ortiz is probably a bit to old to last with Usyk, but their styles would make for an entertaining fight for however long it lasts.

[candyslim]

I agree it would be utterly pointless and painful to watch Usyk use Dave Allen for target practice. I bet Joyce would welcome a chance for revenge.

[adislav123]

Usyk will go as straight as possible for the belts. He fought all the top contenders one after the other at cruiser so i don't think he will change his approach at heavy.

As of his weight now that making weight isn't an issue any more he will have no problem coming in around 225, still top fit, don't think much less ripped but even more powerful.

[Rob3_142]

That would be a mistake.

The belt holders are Joshua and Wilder. A step up from cruiser to those guys isn't just a step up, it's a death sentence. If he has any sense, he'll take on 1-2 gatekeeper level fighters, maybe a top 15 fighter before considering a title fight (not that he's anywhere near a title fight at the moment).

I like the idea of the Parker fight. Genuinely credible, not too dangerous. If he can coax him into the ring, then I would certainly go for that one.

[greg]

..I agree that fighting the behemots of the HW division at this stage can be suicidal..

[jujigatame]

You guys are overestimating the significance of the weight jump. Wilder and Povetkin are basically the same size as most top CWs. AJ is a different story, but he's probably the only HW I'd pick to beat Usyk, and even there I think it's close to a 50/50 fight.

[macademics]

Adam Kownacki would be a good start for Usyk up at heavy.

[Rob3_142]

You guys are overestimating the significance of the weight jump. Wilder and Povetkin are basically the same size as most top CWs. AJ is a different story, but he's probably the only HW I'd pick to beat Usyk, and even there I think it's close to a 50/50 fight.

And you're underestimating the fact that the guys you are mentioning have been operating at HW for most, if not all of their lives. Not stepping up from Cruiser for their first fight.

[jujigatame]

You're not understanding me. I'm saying Wilder and Povetkin aren't significantly bigger than the guys Usyk is already used to fighting.

[Onetimeonly]

I agree, I've already stated I think usyk would have an easy time of it with fury. His pace alone would kill these guys. Povetkin would look the smaller man in the ring.

[Rob3_142]

There would be a significant size and reach difference between Usyk and Fury, and providing that Fury carries 50% of what he had in 2015, Usyk isn't getting close. He'd just get jabbed out of the fight for 12 rounds.

And you tell me one cruiserweight which has a commensurate punching power with Povetkin.