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After Usyk's had to dig deep to win over a surprisingly game Briedis, media and his camp are beating the drum again about his future in the heavyweight division. The guy seems to me a near lock to clean out the thin cruiserweight division. But is anyone seriously buying the idea of Usyk carrying his punch and chin up to heavyweight? The pre-emotive Holyfield comparisons seem ridiculous and insulting to The Real Deal.
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He won't beat the top at HW, no. I'f favour AJ, Wilder and Tyson Fury (if he comes back) to beat him - with Fury being the hardest fight, followed by AJ and then Wilder. He stands a very good chance against Parker though, I'd favour Usyk in that -
Definitely.
He's not a small man at 6'3 and once he get up to 220-225, he'll be sturdier and more powerful. When it takes come to straight up skill level, he is miles ahead of any heavyweight as well as having a record of fighting very good opponents. He would have to be very careful, at times, but if he's disciplined with a good gameplan, Joshua is a winnable fight.Comment
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A contender? for sure. I like his chances again Parker, little Furry etc
Joshua or any super-sized heavy would walk through him. He barely edged Breidis, even Gassiev could be too much for him... Good thing we'll see that soonComment
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I think so. I think he could beat Parker for sure. Parker is the John Ruiz of the HW division. Only thing I worry about is his power and chin. How will his power translate to HW and how good is his chin at HW? But his skills are so far ahead of anyone at HW right now he could Chris Byrd his way to a HW title.Comment
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Doesn't have the power. And, if he doesn't have it at CW, he's really going to be ***ed at HW. It'll be hard for him to keep guys like Wilder and AJ off of him.
I like Usyk a lot, but I don't see him doing nearly as well at HW.Comment
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I would be very surprised if he didnt reach the top 5.
Without seeing him in with proper pro HW's, its impossible to say what he will achieve from there.
People talk about his power, but its worth noting his footwork and speed would be blazing compared to big HWs. Also, I think his power will be better vs more stationary targets. He seems to struggle a little with accuracy at CW, which probably means he has to take some steam off his shots. With more confidence to be able to swing through the target he will probably have decent power. Not a one punch guy or anything, but enough to keep you honest.
He will prob weight 215-220 odd lbs, a guy punching with speed and accuracy with well set up shots is going to hurt.Comment
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No but he's 6'9" and awkward. His size and style alone make it difficult for opponents.
I think it's hard for a cruiserweight to jump up to heavyweight today. Not saying it can't be done but this isn't like it was in the past. The average modern day heavyweight is a different beast altogether in terms of size, compared to the past.
Usyk would be more skilled, but would he even be as mobile with an extra 25lbs or whatever he might weigh? who knows.
I'd like to see it, but given the size of the likes of Joshua, i think it'd be a case of the size/strength/power being too difficult to overcome, despite the difference in skills.Comment
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