break Usyk. Holmes TKO 9.” Rotonda: “Battle of the jabs in this one. Larry Holmes literally made a career out of perfecting the jab. It’ll take a while, but at some point I believe Usyk will find himself getting through the jab and being able to work on the inside here. I would have to go with Usyk in a super-close decision win. He just has more in the arsenal, in my opinion, than the Easton Assassin.” Mizzone: “I think this fight would play out how the Holyfield fight played out – Usyk by 12-round unanimous decision.” USYK: 2-1
to become the Ring Magazine and IBF titleholder. Spinks was tall and rangy and liked to box on the outside, but also had a vicious right hand, which he dubbed the “Spinks Jinx.” It was a weapon that was very capable of ending fights. Diaz: “Both smaller heavyweights, so both quick with footwork. Spinks would try to land the right hand, while Usyk would work the body. In the end, a very entertaining fight with Usyk winning a 12-round unanimous decision.” Rotonda: “Michael Spinks is extremely crafty in the ring, really knows how to use his range well. Usyk, on the other hand, is so good defensively, doesn’t take much punishment at all. I can see the speed on Spinks throwing Usyk off a bit early on, but as the fight goes on I think Usyk will steal those later rounds and walk away with a close decision win.” Mizzone: “I am going to edge Spinks in this one. I think Spinks would stick around with Usyk and wouldn’t allow Usyk to fight his normal style. Spinks by 12-round unanimous decision.” USYK: 2-1 USYK VS. MIKE TYSON A Cus D’Amato protégé, Tyson
years. I’d have to think this wouldn’t be any different. Usyk will make it interesting, because he is just that good, but at some point George will land his shot and that’ll be it, just like it was for so many others. Foreman by stoppage.” Mizzone: “In this fight, I think Usyk will have a problem with Foreman’s power. Once Foreman hits him, I think Usyk will fight a different fight and run a little. But in the end, I think Foreman catches him and stops him in the eighth round.” FOREMAN: 3-0 USYK VS. LARRY HOLMES Holmes learned as a sparring partner for Ali and was later a dominant force who bridged the Ali and Mike Tyson eras. However, the “Easton Assassin” was so much more. He was blessed with excellent fundamentals, quick hands, a big heart when called upon and one of the greatest jabs in boxing history. He notably outlasted Norton (SD 15), got off the floor to stop big-punching Earnie Shavers (TKO 11) and stopped previously unbeaten Gerry Cooney (TKO 13). This would be a clash of two fantastic technicians.
USYK VS. MICHAEL SPINKS Spinks was a member of the hugely successful 1976 U.S. Olympic team, winning gold as a middleweight. As a professional, he became the undisputed light heavyweight champion in the early 1980s and is regarded as one of the best 175-pounders in history. He then made a jump to heavyweight and stunned Larry Holmes (UD 15)
Diaz: “Holmes has probably the greatest jab I have ever seen and would
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