Whyte: I Don't Think Usyk Will Do Well at Heavyweight

[Boxerbeetle]

Usyk would embarrass Whyte.

[Grilling Machine]

When Haye moved up we all focused on his power, because we knew he'd be in trouble without it. Whereas Usyk's already used to not being a big puncher at cruiser, so for him it's a simple transition of adding weight and seeing how it goes.

Unlike Haye, it's not about his power for me — it's about his ability to take those heavier punches and deal with clinches. If he can do that then he's set. Fury and Joshua give him all sorts of problems, but maybe Wilder wouldn't be able to land big, and everyone else is fair game.

[oogiebe]

When Haye moved up we all focused on his power, because we knew he'd be in trouble without it. Whereas Usyk's already used to not being a big puncher at cruiser, so for him it's a simple transition of adding weight and seeing how it goes.

Unlike Haye, it's not about his power for me — it's about his ability to take those heavier punches and deal with clinches. If he can do that then he's set. Fury and Joshua give him all sorts of problems, but maybe Wilder wouldn't be able to land big, and everyone else is fair game.

He still needs enough to get respect. He the HW's can simply walk through his punches he'll be in trouble.

[Grilling Machine]

Parker's a similar size and hasn't been looking for KOs of late (save R12 against Whyte), but his toughness has made him competitive. And there are plenty of comparable punchers in the top 50 who haven't been rolled over by higher-ups. We'll see!

[Ruthless-RKO]

When Haye moved up we all focused on his power, because we knew he'd be in trouble without it. Whereas Usyk's already used to not being a big puncher at cruiser, so for him it's a simple transition of adding weight and seeing how it goes.

Unlike Haye, it's not about his power for me — it's about his ability to take those heavier punches and deal with clinches. If he can do that then he's set. Fury and Joshua give him all sorts of problems, but maybe Wilder wouldn't be able to land big, and everyone else is fair game.

Haye looked bit more built than Usyk didn’t he?

[Grilling Machine]

Initially, against Bonin and Barrett? Haye's maybe an inch shorter than Usyk, and I've always suspected he'd be about 190lb if he'd never boxed and didn't train. But sure, he was genetically gifted regardless of uncastrated boar.

A key for me is Usyk's strength endurance, because while he isn't a big puncher, he needs to be naturally strong and heavy enough to economise in clinches. For him, I imagine 220's about borderline, and his best bet for endurance without getting ragdolled.

[coneye]

If Usyk can develop more power , and can take the hits of the real big fella's , we will be looking at possibly the new undisputed . Takam , is a good start off fight ,,If he wins then a fight with Whyte and he'll run rings around him , But he will get caught with a few which will tell us a lot about his chin . If he wins

Then the big one AJ , if he can press AJ hard for the first 6-7 rnds , AJ will blow slow down , and get beat , Then it could be Wilder , but Wilder will duck him .

Only one big problem with my prediction though , theres too many IFS

[Grilling Machine]

I wouldn't fancy any predictions yet. He might be too cute for everyone, or he might get bashed by everyone in the top half-dozen.

[leejonesjnr]

Parker's a similar size

No, he is a similar height

[Grilling Machine]

Parker's definitely bigger if you take his Samoan build as-is, rather than speculating on what he'd weigh with low bodyfat. But since he'll never be especially cut, sure, he's carrying extra weight and a lot of it's useful.

[johnty1888]

Usyk beats the crap out of Whyte.

I’m with Mickey

Usyk beats all in a matador v bull scenario

[Ricky]

Usyk will be one the greatest heavyweights of all times. Ali good. Imo.

[overhand_right]

He'll be the same size as George Foreman was first time around.

Not a good comparison imo as Foreman went down to that weight whereas Usyk is going up to it. Roy Jones and Rocky Marciano both won heavyweight title fights at 193 but are they really the same size? Jones came up from 160, Marciano down from 220. Canelo and Amir Khan are 5'8'', 70'' reach, both weighed 155, are they the same size? Adding bulk can't be the same as a bulky guy getting in tip top shape.

Reserving judgment on Usyk till I see him fight at heavy, he could be another Holyfield, could be another Haye or Adamek. Be thrilled if he uses his great talent to take out Joshua, Fury and Wilder.

[overhand_right]

Usyk will be one the greatest heavyweights of all times. Ali good. Imo.

Big call. His current heavyweight record is 0-0-0!

[oogiebe]

Big call. His current heavyweight record is 0-0-0!

Overhand, you beat me to the punch. FFS let the guy at least get one HW fight in. I have my doubts.

[overhand_right]

Overhand, you beat me to the punch. FFS let the guy at least get one HW fight in. I have my doubts.

Undefeated Record Derangement Syndrome. Happens constantly on Boxrec!

[oogiebe]

Undefeated Record Derangement Syndrome. Happens constantly on Boxrec!

[Coco]

Micheal Spinks coming up to beat Holmes twice were great results. His loss to Tyson takes a lot of credit from him..
Dunno about Usyk, mixing with elite heavyset is hard enough let alone when they have 5 stone on you.
However he beats Whyte comfortably.

[Datsue]

FWIW regarding Usyk's power or lack of, I didn't see Joyce walking through him in their WBSS fight.

Now, you can say "Oh but Joyce was inexperienced" but for my money Usyk buzzed him worse than "genuine heavyweight hitter (against Cris Arreola, mind)" Stiverne did.

Not saying Usyk's gonna be knocking many out at HW, but I certainly don't see many walking straight through him unless they catch him with something catastrophic early.

[Onetimeonly]

He's going to be tossing 3 times as many punches. He'll stop takam.

[Ricky]

Big call. His current heavyweight record is 0-0-0!

I'm in the business of making big calls - happy to stand by this one.

[overhand_right]

I'm in the business of making big calls - happy to stand by this one.

I totally approve!

[Stuarty]

Whyte needs his wee tit bits for his IFL chums. He'll say anything to get hits. Usyk would absolutely destroy him.

[Stuarty]

I'm in the business of making big calls - happy to stand by this one.

When did you morph back in to 'Ricky' again?

[Ricky]

When did you morph back in to 'Ricky' again?

It's a kind of magic