USYK VS. THE GREATS
sound will frustrate Bowe in this bout and cause Riddick to make mistakes that Usyk will ultimately capitalize on. Usyk by decision.” Mizzone: “I am going to have to go with Bowe in this one. I don’t think that Usyk’s boxing style will bother Bowe. I think that Bowe would use his size to bully Usyk and stop him in the 10th round.” BOWE: 2-1
Usyk is going to have a hard time with Lewis’ jab, and I think that Lewis would win this fight in a boring style, kind of like the David Tua fight. With Emanuel [Steward] in his corner, Lewis will have the right game plan to win. Lewis by 12-round unanimous decision.” LEWIS: 3-0
I have Evander in this one edging out a decision win.” Mizzone: “Both cruiserweights coming to heavyweight. These guys have a similar story, but I am going to edge Usyk in this one. I think it would be a very close fight, but Usyk would win a 12-round split decision.” HOLYFIELD: 2-1
USYK VS. VITALI KLITSCHKO The older Klitschko wasn’t as naturally gifted or as technically sound as younger brother Wladimir, but he was more durable, possessing one of the best chins of the late 1990s/2000s heavyweight scene. A former kickboxer, Vitali utilized an unorthodox style to deliver a punishing jab and very powerful right hand. He briefly held the WBO title before being upset by undersized underdog Chris Byrd (due in part to a shoulder injury suffered during the bout). However, Vitali proved his potential and mettle by giving Lennox Lewis all he could handle before being stopped on cuts in 2003. He won the vacant Ring Magazine and WBC titles by halting the dangerous Corrie Sanders in 2004. Following a near-four-year layoff, Vitali reclaimed the WBC title and made nine defenses before retiring and later becoming the mayor of Kyiv. Diaz: “Usyk would stick and move and try to hold on the inside. Vitali, however, would use his size and power to disrupt Usyk. In a sloppy match with cuts due to a headbutt, we have a technical draw.” Rotonda: “Vitali is a more effective finisher than his brother was. He is also more aggressive stylistically. That style, I think, would pose problems for the much smaller Usyk. Oleksandr will have to be on point with his jab and keep Vitali at bay as much as possible. Similar
USYK VS. RIDDICK BOWE Bowe picked up silver at the 1988 Olympics and turned professional under legendary trainer Eddie Futch, who nurtured improvements that would help his fighter become the undisputed champion. Bowe edged Holyfield in two of their three meetings and suffered no other losses during his career, but there were some big names of the 1990s missing from his resume, including Lennox Lewis, who’d beaten him in the 1988 Olympics final. A lack of discipline saw Bowe squander what could have been a better career. He was a modern heavyweight – big and strong with excellent skills, pinpoint jab and a good inside game. The focus wasn’t always there, but the early-career version of Bowe was a tough night for anyone. Diaz: “Bowe was the modern-day Holmes – a great jab and willing to trade bombs. I truly believe he is very underrated. Bowe would try to knock Usyk out. Very entertaining. Bowe by 12-round unanimous decision.” Rotonda: “I always said that a motivated, healthy and in-shape Riddick Bowe is one of the most dangerous heavyweights of all time. However, Usyk has proven to be elite, and although undersized in most fights in this division, he finds ways to push through and create opportunities for himself in the ring. I think him being so technically
USYK VS. LENNOX LEWIS Lewis shocked Razor Ruddock with a second-round stoppage in 1992 and was then promoted to WBC champion status when old rival Riddick Bowe refused to face him. Although Lewis was upset by Oliver McCall, he retooled under Kronk leader Emanuel Steward and went on to become one of the best heavyweights of all time. Lewis was big, strong and an excellent boxer, using his ramrod jab to dictate the pace and his big right hand to end proceedings. This figures to be statistically a tough night out for Usyk. However, it could be argued that Lewis didn’t fight a clever, mobile southpaw during his career. Diaz: “Hard to believe, but a shutout, 12 rounds to zero. Lewis by 12-round unanimous decision.” Rotonda: “This is a battle of two of the best heavyweight jabs in the sport. Lennox always did a good job of making smaller fighters feel exactly that. He also had incredible ring IQ. This may not be a slugfest by any means, but it will be super-technical, and I think Lennox will fight a smart fight en route to a razor- thin decision. Lewis by split decision.” Mizzone: “I would have to go with Lewis in this one. I think Lewis was one of the top heavyweights in his time.
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