The official Cruiserweight thread

[jas]

briedis vs huck coming up

huck is more straight up and down , no special effects as floyd would say

and despite both being 32, huck is obviously more war-torn as is showing signs of slowing down. he tries to steal rounds by flurrying late in the round.

briedis is faster and quicker on the trigger so i favour him.

[dan_cov]

Schedule updated.

British prospect to keep an eye on; Richard Riakporhe

Here is his story. Long but worth the read

http://www.boxingmonthly.com/stories/richard-riakporhe-man-on-a-mission/

He trains alongside fellow prospect and former amateur stand out Chris '2slick' Kongo

[dan_cov]

Former WBC world champion in the first heavyweight division Gregory Drozd (link is external) expressed admiration for the work of the world champion in the version of WBO Alexander Usik (link is external) in a duel with Marko Hukom (link is external). Recall that the Ukrainian Usik defeated Hook TKO in the tenth round.

Thanks to this victory, Usik went to the semi-finals of the World Super Series of Boxing, and also defended the WBO world title in the first heavyweight division.

- Cool and beautiful fight, - shares the impressions of Drozd. - Before the fight, I said that Usik is an obvious favorite. And without any risk to themselves. Marco Huck at the gathering. His style is very comfortable for Usik. Hook does not have a good job on his legs. I understood that Usik in this component will "tear" it up, will do whatever it pleases. In fact, it happened.

Two or three rounds were tense - one-way traffic. A magnificent duel from the side of Usik. He is very good.

And I do not agree with the statement that Usik has no impact. He has a stroke. In such a weight and with such an invoice, there can not but be a blow. Earlier, I also had doubts about the stiffness of Alexander's blow, but this fight put everything in its place. He knows how to develop attacks, can add, and Hook was on the verge of a fall before stopping the fight.

Question in the style of Usik. He is not an obvious aggressor. More focused on protection. But when yesterday it was necessary to put Hook back, he did it magnificently. A very diverse and combinative guy. It is also functionally very ready. I understand that his pace he is ready to keep all 12 rounds.

- What should be opposed to his style, to make the fight even equal?
"If you wait, you'll be the target for Usik." He will shoot. Antenna fears a strong blow. This was noticeable when he was boxing with Krzysztof Glovatsky. Pole can finish battles in one blow. Alexander was afraid of this. The recipe is: a strong blow, constant pressure and the ability to deprive the space. Usik does not like to stand by the ropes. There he feels bad.

- Do not you get the impression that this is not the real Usik? He is not yet in his prime, but on the way.
- I think that he really can still add and add decently. Its potential is visible, the horizon is not visible. He did not work at the limit, it's not his peak capabilities. It can be seen how comfortable he is in this environment. He likes his style, his drawing. He enjoys it in a good way. He likes what he does and boxing Alexander for his own pleasure.

Hook did not create danger for him. Usik had no embarrassing situations. Neither in this fight, nor earlier. Nobody suggested this to him. How will he behave? We have not seen how he reacts to strong missed shots.

I suspected that it would be an easy fight. On the classroom. Wanted, slightly added and Marco Huck was gone. So German did not understand who beats him and where the blows come from. There is so much difference in the class.

- And how it was that Hook that boxed with Lebedev?
- Half. His speed fell. Missing flair. He was always a revanchist. He missed, but intercepted the initiative. Now he did not have time. With protection - problems, with movements - problems. He did not understand what to do. The thought did not have time. And functionally I did not see it well prepared.

[dan_cov]

Lebedev about the duel of Usik-Huk and the reasons for his refusal to participate in the Super Series.

WBA Super Champion in the first heavyweight division Denis Lebedev (link is external) spoke about the reasons for refusing to participate in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) and commented on the debut fight of the tournament, in which the world champion in the version of WBO Alexander Usik (link is external) defeated ex-champion Marco Huck (link is external).

- Your impressions?

- The fight ended a little unexpectedly for me, I still thought that all 12 rounds would be held. Antenna showed a classy box, everything that the Soviet school is famous for. Looked a little bit, and confidently figured out. Hook? I saw nothing new. He was himself. Against such a master he does not have enough school, training. He had a chance only for an accidental strike. And then - a little.

- Did you remember your fight with Hook?

- Not once. I watched the fight with my daughter Olesya, she also said: I would like to see you in such a battle. I will even say this: I am sure that Usik has seen our fight, and made conclusions. We are both left-handed, and he did the same thing I did then - he hit his ear with his front right hand. Each such shock shook Hook. Probably, then I had to beat these blows more often. Antennae interrupted and scored. Everything is natural, he is in very good shape.

- Many people consider the Ukrainian to be the favorite of the whole tournament. Your opinion?

"I would agree if he had such a blow as Kudryashov did." Then I would say that Alexander is a favorite. But in professional boxing still the main role is played by a blow, not by a technique. I'll be rooting for Usik and Kudryashova. I wish them good luck in this tournament.

- What are the chances of Gassiev?

- Murat is a good boxer. I'll put him as the third favorite and I'll be happy if one of them wins.

- You do not mind reading that you are in the tournament is not enough? And see this Hook. Fooled by outright rudeness?

- I do not participate in the tournament for one reason. When there was a draw, my mother was dying. The day before yesterday it was 40 days ago, as it is not there. I think there are more important things than tournaments. I spent the last of her days with her ... I want to tell you that the WBA belt is still with me. So I'm waiting for the champion. And to him, whoever this is, I will say: come for my belt. If it works out - I will be very happy.

[Guest]

Dorticos vs Kudrashov is gonna be a fun fight.

Hoping for multiple knockdowns in that one.

That one ain't goin 6.

[dan_cov]

Dorticos vs Kudrashov is gonna be a fun fight.

Hoping for multiple knockdowns in that one.

That one ain't goin 6.

That is the fight I am most looking forward too. Favouring Dorticos but any mistake and either could put the others lights out.

Usyk vs Huck was one-sided yet entertaining and that was the worst fight of the group, I can't imagine the excitement the rest will bring. It really is must watch even casual friends I talk to are really excited for it, they're in for a real treat.

[Guest]

That is the fight I am most looking forward too. Favouring Dorticos but any mistake and either could put the others lights out.

Usyk vs Huck was one-sided yet entertaining and that was the worst fight of the group, I can't imagine the excitement the rest will bring. It really is must watch even casual friends I talk to are really excited for it, they're in for a real treat.

I don't even know if it's being broadcast in the U.S.A and it's in Texas.
Donaire is fighting so maybe, but I don't know what network yet.

Be a shame if people can't see this.

re: Huck.... doesn't seem long ago when he was one of the best in the division.
and whatever happened to Drozd?????

[dan_cov]

I don't even know if it's being broadcast in the U.S.A and it's in Texas.
Donaire is fighting so maybe, but I don't know what network yet.

Be a shame if people can't see this.

re: Huck.... doesn't seem long ago when he was one of the best in the division.
and whatever happened to Drozd?????

ITV have the rights in the U.K I have no idea about the U.S but it'll be streamed on WBSS website also. Hopefully HBO or showtime pick up on it be a real shame if they never.

Drozd is injury prone sadly I believe he's suffered a lot with hand injuries in the past and also a reoccurring shoulder injury, he did start training again briefly but he reinjured/aggravated his shoulder. He seemed to get better and better with age before injuries cut his career short. I don't think he has confirmed anything but I think we can safely say he is retired at this stage. Its been 3-4 years already and he must be 39/40 now. He was already, surprisingly around 36 back when he beat Diablo for his title.

[dan_cov]

Huck has been past his best for a while now though he was always a bit of a paper champion who received a lot of gift decisions (Afolabi, Arslan, Lebedev to name a few). He kind of avoided all the champions and serious threats to his title during his run.
I doubt if he was still champion he'd of entered the WBSS.

[dan_cov]

Rakhim Chakhkiev announces retirement.


Olympic champion in 2008, former IBO champion and former WBC challenger in weight up to 90.71 kg Rahim Chakhkiyev (link is external) finished his sports career.

"I'm tied up with boxing, I gave it 20 years, it's time. For 12 years I devoted amateur boxing, reached the highest point, becoming the Olympic champion. In professional boxing, I also have good results, I believe. But, of course, I could not fully realize myself, I would like more, but nothing, there are many other fields, "said 34-year-old Chakhkiev.

"I will continue to live in sport, but I do not think I can show anything more. Logically wrong to try to win some title, competing with the young, my best years have already passed. Although I still have something to show, but I consider it necessary to complete the speeches, "he added. (Photo: World of Boxing)