Which one do you want to see most and how to do you see them going?
I think Lebedev would obviously be easiest but the other two are very tough debut's at heavyweight. He's obviously got the speed and stamina advantage but Ortiz has that size, and Povetkin has that skill and experience at Heavweight, and Pov has only lost when he's been significantly outsized.
Also, it would've been stupid for Parker to accept it in my opinion, Usyk does everything Parker does but better and Parker needs to rebuild and try some new things before challenging a very high level opponent again. Miller just turned down another fight...
Rationally speaking, neither Ortiz nor Povetkin are a good idea for his first fight at HW, IMHO. I like Parker; Hammer; Martin, then if he performs as we think he will, Ortiz; Miller; or Breazeale. This is all without the politics of promotional management.
I'd be happy, if he moves on and fights either Povetkin or Ortiz. Lebedev bout will be a mismatch. Povetkin/Ortiz one is really interesting. Gotta favor Usyk over both of them, cause Usyk with his movement and workrate will tire those old farts, but them two are always dangerous, especially earlier.
DrDuke wrote: ↑05 Jan 2019, 15:55
I'd be happy, if he moves on and fights either Povetkin or Ortiz. Lebedev bout will be a mismatch. Povetkin/Ortiz one is really interesting. Gotta favor Usyk over both of them, cause Usyk with his movement and workrate will tire those old farts, but them two are always dangerous, especially earlier.
Lebedev makes no sense for Usyk. It only makes sense for Lebedev.
DrDuke wrote: ↑05 Jan 2019, 15:55
I'd be happy, if he moves on and fights either Povetkin or Ortiz. Lebedev bout will be a mismatch. Povetkin/Ortiz one is really interesting. Gotta favor Usyk over both of them, cause Usyk with his movement and workrate will tire those old farts, but them two are always dangerous, especially earlier.
Lebedev makes no sense for Usyk. It only makes sense for Lebedev.
And even not a big sense for Lebedev, cause not a big chance of taking it away from Usyk. Probably he understands everything himself, just desperately tries to grab a title and some money at the end of his career. However, without Usyk possessing it, the title is more accessible.
Please not Lebedev. I'm not surprised Miller doesn't want to know although I think he's all wrong for Usyk. I'll give Parker a pass, he doesn't need another loss just now. Ortiz would be a fantastic fight for the fans but it's a massive risk for both fighters.
I think Povetkin is ideal for Usyk's first step. He's a very respectable opponent, but he's not physically intimidating in fact he's actually the slightly shorter man. He hits hard but Usyk takes a good shot. Povetkin is a quality technician but he's post prime and is unlikely to outbox or outlast Usyk at this stage of his career. I'm sure Usyk can do better than Marcus Huck.
candyslim wrote: ↑06 Jan 2019, 04:52
Please not Lebedev. I'm not surprised Miller doesn't want to know although I think he's all wrong for Usyk. I'll give Parker a pass, he doesn't need another loss just now. Ortiz would be a fantastic fight for the fans but it's a massive risk for both fighters.
I think Povetkin is ideal for Usyk's first step. He's a very respectable opponent, but he's not physically intimidating in fact he's actually the slightly shorter man. He hits hard but Usyk takes a good shot. Povetkin is a quality technician but he's post prime and is unlikely to outbox or outlast Usyk at this stage of his career. I'm sure Usyk can do better than Marcus Huck.
Marco Huck would be a waste of time for Usyk. He can initiate his HW move with far better opposition. Kownacki.
No no no I wasn't suggesting for a moment that Usyk should fight Marco Huck (I knew Marcus looked wrong as I typed it)
I mentioned Huck in reference to a previous occasion when Povetkin was given all the problems he could handle by a good cruiserweight. Usyk is a way better fighter than Huck ever was and would be expected to improve on Huck's performance against Povetkin.
candyslim wrote: ↑06 Jan 2019, 13:26
No no no I wasn't suggesting for a moment that Usyk should fight Marco Huck (I knew Marcus looked wrong as I typed it)
I mentioned Huck in reference to a previous occasion when Povetkin was given all the problems he could handle by a good cruiserweight. Usyk is a way better fighter than Huck ever was and would be expected to improve on Huck's performance against Povetkin.
DrDuke wrote: ↑05 Jan 2019, 15:55
I'd be happy, if he moves on and fights either Povetkin or Ortiz. Lebedev bout will be a mismatch. Povetkin/Ortiz one is really interesting. Gotta favor Usyk over both of them, cause Usyk with his movement and workrate will tire those old farts, but them two are always dangerous, especially earlier.
X2
I think Usyk has the boxing IQ, and the legs, to stay out of the way of the old fellas until they gas out in the 5th or 6th round. A bit like the Bellew fight, Usyk just sat back and measured Bomber, them as soon as he slowed, it was all Usyk
I don’t mind seeing Usyck have one more fight at cruiserweight because this is where he’s definitely great and we likely won’t see his very best ever again. When he moved up to heavyweight, I hope he’s successful- but it’s very easy for an outstanding cruiserweight have an average career over 200-pounds. Lebedev is world class, he is a serious puncher, and some (not me) feel h3 beat Gassiev in their excellent fight. He’s also Usyk’s top contender so let’s see it.
He's hardly ancient but neither is Usyk in the first flush of youth. If he is serious about continuing his career at heavyweight he would be well advised to get on with it. Lebedev is yesterday's man and offers next to no threat to Usyk. I don't imagine many fans would want to see it when he could be testing his skills against a Whyte or an Ortiz instead.
candyslim wrote: ↑06 Jan 2019, 18:19
He's hardly ancient but neither is Usyk in the first flush of youth. If he is serious about continuing his career at heavyweight he would be well advised to get on with it. Lebedev is yesterday's man and offers next to no threat to Usyk. I don't imagine many fans would want to see it when he could be testing his skills against a Whyte or an Ortiz instead.
He could take Lebedev. I really see no point in him beating him as he's already essentially cleaned out the division, but I wouldn't have any issue with him taking it.
No shortage of interesting options for Usyk. Any Top 20 Heavyweight or Lebedev would be great fights.
Too bad about Miller, as that fight would've been a fun, relatively high paced showcase for Usyk. Really have no interest in Parker, how many shots does he get to prove just how overrated he is? Also not really interested in a Lebedev fight - already beaten the better/prime CWs.
Povetkin would be fun, another relatively high paced affair. Ortiz would be slower but more tactful till Ortiz gasses. I guess most interesting is between them who will accept the fight.
..Lebedev could still be a good scalp on his resume..however, Usyk is 32 in a couple of weeks..if he's serious and still wants to make a major and lasting impact on the HW division, he'd better hurry up...
greg wrote: ↑06 Jan 2019, 18:31
..Lebedev could still be a good scalp on his resume..however, Usyk is 32 in a couple of weeks..if he's serious and still wants to make a major and lasting impact on the HW division, he'd better hurry up...
Agreed. He's peaking right now. Also from what I've seen, he's not going to fornicate around wasting time - basically wants Joshua in a couple of fights at most, then he'll be finished with boxing, win or lose.
