VS. THE GREATS USYK VS. THE GREATS
powerful Ukrainian was very skilled at keeping his opponents at a distance and quickly tying them up if they got inside. His jab was an excellent tool in beating skilled but undersized fighters like Ruslan Chagaev and Alexander Povetkin. Although Usyk has dealt with bigger men, notably Joshua and Fury, could he do the same against his compatriot? Conversely, how would Klitschko deal with the movement and speed of an elite southpaw? Diaz: “Usyk would be too busy – in and out, speed – and make it look easy. Usyk by 12-round unanimous decision.”
to how Usyk was able to avoid the big shots against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, I think he will be able to execute a similar game plan and use his jab to frustrate Vitali throughout the night, en route to a close decision win.” Mizzone: “I think Usyk would give Vitali problems with his southpaw style, kind of like Chris Byrd did. I know Vitali had a shoulder injury, but there is a reason they never fought again. Usyk by 12-round unanimous decision.” USYK: 2-0-1 USYK VS. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO For over a decade, Wladimir and his older brother, Vitali, dominated the heavyweight division. Only Joe Louis had a championship reign longer than Wladimir, who also has the third-highest number of consecutive successful title defenses (18). The tall,
his jab, and if Usyk can neutralize that and force Wladimir to fight off his back foot, then he will find himself victorious in this one. Usyk by close decision.” Mizzone: “Believe it or not, in this one I think that Usyk would stop Wladimir in this fight. He would frustrate Wladimir, and I think with his southpaw style he would catch him. Usyk by TKO 10.” USYK: 3-0 RESULTS: (USYK WIN)-(“GREAT” WIN)-(DRAW) DIAZ: 4-7-1
ROTONDA: 8-4 MIZZONE: 7-5
Rotonda: “Wladimir Klitschko will go down as one of the best
heavyweights of all time, and at some point Oleksandr Usyk may be in that same category. I think the movement and ability to slip the jab is key here for Usyk. Klitschko’s biggest weapon is
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk, and you can follow him on X @AnsonWainwr1ght.
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