BoxRec

Is now on Ukranian TV. After 2 rounds, Usyk is still studying his opponent.

3-0 Usyk, but Venter is landing some.

4-0. Venter just head hunting. No body shots.

5-0. Usyk's advantage becomes more obvious.

This is probably Usyk's first decent opponent who tries to fight back. Usyk landed a few clean liver shots and head shots, but couldn't hurt Venter. Usyk's power is not fatal.

A few good punches from Venter obviously surprised if not shook Usyk. Maybe his chin is not so hard too.

8-0 Usyk.

Usyk TKO 9. Not sure why ref didn't start a count after Venter got hurt and took a knee. The guy was up in 5 seconds.

I'll have to check this one out. The official cards (77-75/78-74 x2) suggest a fairly competitive bout, though I'm not sure if they're appropriate.

My impressions from this fight:

- Good opponent for the 6th fight;
- Fight was pretty competitive, I had Usyk winning 6-2 at the time of the stoppage;
- Stoppage was good - Venter was badly hurt, Usyk would have finished him anyway;
- Venter landed some good punches, but Usyk took them well;
- Unlike all Usyk's previous opponents in the pros, Venter was a good counter-puncher, and it was the biggest problem for Usyk in this fight. I think Usyk felt pretty uncomfortable throwing power punches until the second half of the fight. It seems he didn't want to load his full weight in his punches, because he didn't want to risk;
- Usyk has excellent speed and skills, good power and stamina, but this fight proved the thing that was obvious from his amateur days - counter-punchers are much harder opponents for Usyk than aggressive, come-forward fighters. I think Usyk's team should target Levbedev and Huck, because they will be easier opponents for him style-wise than Hernandez or Drozd.

I don't think that Usyk took some of punches too well. Amateur boxing favors fighters like Usyk (movers and technicians) by limiting effect of power punches with uncomfortable gloves and headgear. I am not sure if Usyk would beat Beterbiev twice in amateurs if they were wearing professional gloves and no headgear.

Today's fight showed that Usyk is pretty easy to hit, so I think Huck or Lebedev will destroy him at this time.

ikorolev wrote:I don't think that Usyk took some of punches too well. Amateur boxing favors fighters like Usyk (movers and technicians) by limiting effect of power punches with uncomfortable gloves and headgear. I am not sure if Usyk would beat Beterbiev twice in amateurs if they were wearing professional gloves and no headgear.

Today's fight showed that Usyk is pretty easy to hit, so I think Huck or Lebedev will destroy him at this time.

I disagree. I think both are tailor-made for him. Maybe it's too early for him to fight top-fighters in the division, but I think he will be ready really soon. And I have no doubt that they will be easier opponents for him than Drozd, Hernandez and Mchunu. BTW, I think Drozd is the most underrated fighter in the division. I can't understand why Russians love tough but limited Povetkin and Lebedev so much, but at the same time don't give much of attention to Grigory, who is very, very good boxer.

I think Drozd is getting enough attention now. Yes, Lebedev and Huck are easier to outbox, but I am not sure if Usyk can take their punches well. His reaction to some of Venter's punches is a warning sign.

Video of the fight if anyone is interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7YzOhGqeR0

Usyk is not easy to hit. He decided to take chances and went for the KO neglecting the defense. He could have easily stayed outside, dance and win shut out like Thurman did.

Lebedev BTW is an excellent technician and a best counter puncher in the division. At this point I would favor Usyk against Drozd and perhaps against Huck in couple of fights.