Oleksandr Usyk – Standing-8

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week

Note: They’re Back!!! The Snippets used to be a weekly feature on Standing-8; however, have had a lengthy absence. That said, they are starting again…Protect Yourself At All Times!

Camel Day Fisticuffs

From Plant City Florida tonight, on ProBox TV (or ProBox TV via Amazon)……

Batyrzhan Jukembayev vs. Ivan Redkach, 10 rounds, junior welterweights

Charles Harris Jr. vs. Kyle Erwin, 6 rounds, junior welterweights

Jonhatan Cardoso vs. Adam Lopez, 10 rounds, junior lightweights

Adrian Tillman vs. Jayleen Bullock, 4 rounds, cruiserweights

I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire, Part 1

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk undoubtedly produced the most dynamic ring walks in some time. I mean Fury dancing to Barry White’s My Everything, then Bonnie Tyler’s I Need A Hero, to Usyk’s stoic Cossack Warrior ice cold gait, it was magic from the start.

I Went Down, Down, Down And The Flames Went Higher, We (Standing-8) Were Wrong

In my pre-fight article titled, Fury v. Usyk, Six Degrees of Otto Wallin, And A Rope-A-Dope Alert (pinned to the site), I incorrectly picked Fury to win the fight. In my defense, several components of the article were close to what occurred in the ring; however, not what mattered most, the winner. This was the first time that I had picked against the Ukrainian Legend.

The Lessons Of Otto Wallin

In the aforementioned pre-fight article, I highlighted the significance of the Fury v. Wallin fight in shaping expectations. I drew parallels between Wallin and Usyk, emphasizing their similarity in terms of height, reach, southpaw stance, and physique, while noting the difference in their boxing abilities. I expressed confidence in Fury’s ability to leverage the valuable experience gained from the Wallin fight in the bout against Usyk. While acknowledging the challenges posed by Usyk, I conveyed an optimistic outlook, underlining Fury’s potential to navigate the fight successfully by applying the lessons learned from his previous experience. It should have been clear in review of the Fury v. Wallin tape, that if Wallin had such great success, then surely Usyk’s extreme will & skill would be the difference…..and it was.

Wasted Energy, Or Pounds, As You Will

The recent Usyk win not only marked a historic moment as our first UNDISPUTED champion in 25 years, but it has also added more fuel to the fiery debate of “who is the pound for pound best”. Now, let me step up to my soapbox for a moment. STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sure, it’s fantastic to engage in discussions about who truly reigns as the pound for pound best, or to compile our top ten lists, as has been customary in the sport for decades. However, this has escalated beyond reason. The constant banter on social media is downright exhausting. Instead, why don’t we simply celebrate each and every pugilist for their unique talents and achievements? Engaging in a healthy debate is one thing, but nowadays it seems that feelings are getting hurt simply because someone has a dissenting opinion.

Nine Lives….Will The Cat Survive The Tornado This Time?

This Saturday’s upcoming rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall promises to reignite the intense excitement of their contentious bout in 2022. With Taylor’s disputed split decision victory over Catterall still fresh, this eagerly anticipated rematch will undoubtedly capture the attention of boxing enthusiasts across the globe. Taylor’s previously unblemished record was marred by a unanimous decision (UD) loss to Teofimo Lopez last June, marking his sole appearance in the ring since his clash with Catterall. Meanwhile, Catterall’s two victories by UD last year, most notably a win against Jorge Linares, showcased his resilience and determination. As we eagerly anticipate this upcoming bout, it’s must see TV.

What I’m Reading.…..”Dark Trade: Lost In Boxing,” Donald McRae’s acclaimed in-depth look at boxing in the 1990’s. I actually got a copy back when I met James Toney several years ago, but hadn’t read it. That said, I did, foolishly at the time, ask James for a shot at the title. Toney was like “You better back up fool”, I went for the stare-down, my man was having none of it :). Cool Dude, Lights Out was too much.

What I’ll Be Reading Next (Just Pre-Ordered On Amazon:)… “The Promise Of Women’s Boxing..A Momentous New Era For The Sweet Science” Malissa Smith‘s “timely exploration of modern women’s boxing”.

Recommended Podcasts-

Crime In Sports- The perfect duo of James Pietragallo, and Jimmie Whisman, put their comedic spin on the topic. These dudes have me cracking up. There are several episodes on boxing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Sonny Liston 3-Part Series. Also notable, Ricardo Mayorga, Tank Davis, Floyd Senior & Junior, Johnny Tapia. Good stuff.

Power- Don King- Even though I knew most of the content, there were a few surprises. A must listen.

Fury V Usyk- Six Degrees of Otto Wallin, and A Rope-A-Dope Alert

A legendary former cruiserweight champion, turned heavyweight champion, fights for the title of undisputed against their British born adversary, the division’s other belt holder.

The boxing world correctly knows that the opening stanza is referring to this Saturday’s mega fight for the undisputed heavyweight title between, Oleksandr Usyk 36, (21-0 (14), 6’3”… 78”, and Tyson Fury 35, (34-0-1 (24), 6’9… 85”.

That said, I wouldn’t fault the non-boxing world, or the casuals, as you will, if they believed it were referring to the November 1999 Evander Holyfield v. Lennox Lewis fight. Lewis bested Holyfield on that night to become the undisputed champion, the last that the division has seen.

This Saturday night, ironically once again, for undisputed, a former legendary cruiserweight champion turned heavyweight champion, will knuckle up with another heavyweight champion from the UK. At the conclusion of the bout, we’ll be able to change the word “last” undisputed champion, to “reigning”. Assuming of course, the bout doesn’t end in a draw.

The bout between Usyk and Fury has been fermenting for some time. The original date for the bout was slated earlier this year on February 17; however, had to be postponed due to a cut over Fury’s right eye, that he sustained during a sparring session. This cut, no doubt, can be directly related back to Fury’s bout against Otto Wallin. Six degrees of Otto Wallin. More on that later.

As far as activity is concerned, Fury’s last fight was October 28, 2023, against Francis Ngannou, with two fights in 2022, TKO 10 Derek Chisora, and TKO 6 Dillian Whyte. One bout in 2021, KO 11 Deontay Wilder, one in 2020 TKO 7 Wilder, and two bouts in 2019, UD Wallin, TKO 2 Tom Schwarz.

Usyk last fought on Aug 26, 2023, knocking out Daniel Dubois in 9. Usyk had one fight in 2022, a rematch and SD win over Anthony Joshua, one in 2021 UD Joshua, one in 2020, UD Chisora, and one bout in 2019, a stoppage of Chazz Witherspoon.

In considering common opponents (1) Chisora, and other opponents each has faced, identifying potential insights into this bout, I couldn’t help but keep coming back to Wallin.

Six degrees of Otto Wallin. The six degrees theory is that one person is connected to another through six or fewer acquaintances. Look no further than Wallin, who’s linked to Joshua, who’s linked to Klitschko, who’s linked to Fury, who’s linked to Whyte, who’s linked to Chisora, who’s linked to Usyk. Ok, ok, settle down, I know that I could have used any of the others instead of Wallin, or even a few other connections not listed; however, Wallin is key.

A southpaw fighter with a size almost identical to Usyk; however, although a good fighter, not Usyk. As such, I adjusted my observations accordingly while reviewing tape of the Fury v. Wallin fight. That said, I believe there are relevant takeaways for what to expect this Saturday.

If my review is correct, in fights against southpaws in his career, (7) seven to be exact. Fury has 3 stoppages, and 4 decisions. His last bout against a southpaw was in fact, against Wallin.

In reviewing the tape of Fury v. Wallin, it became abundantly clear, if that version of Fury shows up on Saturday, he’s in deep against Usyk. From the opening bell, and for several rounds, Wallin, using his jab, was able to force Fury to fight off his back foot, backing him into the ropes repeatedly, and working Fury at different levels, body, chest, and head.

The cut, as previously mentioned, occurred in the third round. A big open gash over the right eye of Fury. There is no doubt that the cut changed Fury’s approach for several rounds, as he pawed at the cut and wiped the blood away between punches.

Over the next several rounds, Fury adjusted and did what he does best, moved, boxed, and parried. He attacked the body, throwing timely uppercuts, and straight rights. In addition, he fought extremely well coming off the ropes. Fury began to impose his will, and banked rounds on his way to the UD.

As I watched the tape, I envisioned Usyk’s style and applied it to the success that Wallin was having, and I began to lean towards Usyk in this Saturday’s fight. If Wallin, again, a very good pugilist, (although a southpaw like Usyk with an almost identical size, not Usyk, there are levels here) can have that type of success against Fury, then surely the cards are stacked in the Ukrainian’s favor.

I believed that to be the case until I looked deeper into what the Wallin fight taught Fury, and the adversities that he has had to overcome in his career. The lessons of experience.

The Wallin fight has prepared Fury for Saturday night, not in its entirety, but in the lessons learned. I believe that Fury will allow Usyk to have similar successes as Wallin did, pushing him to the ropes, and exerting energy throwing punches. Usyk is a volume puncher, so his output will be high, and will fall into the Fury game plan, which may be a rope-a dope type of approach. Fury fights extremely well off the ropes and is well suited with his reach to counter the hard charging Usyk.

Fury’s reach, speed, power, and boxing prowess will be the difference. I believe Fury will keep the stick in Usyk’s face, while working behind it, damaging the body, and looking for his timely power shots, most likely in the form of a straight right, or uppercut.

In video review of Usyk’s past bouts, it is obvious that his opponents at heavyweight were well suited for his style. Slow & plodding in their approach, power yes; however, right in front of Usyk and there to be hit, due to the absence of skills in all the other categories a pugilist must possess. Yes AJ, is probably the strongest exception here and has a bit more skill, but due to the lingering doubt in his mind due to the Andy Ruiz debacles, he was a bit cautious in both bouts against Usyk, and it cost him. Ok, I’ll give you Daniel Dubois not fitting the narrative as well, but there are levels, and he has yet to show he deserves to be elevated.

Before the Twitter/X faithful attack, me, lol, please understand that I am a big fan of Usyk, and all that he brings to the ring, just not in this matchup. I have followed he and Lomachenko, and all the outstanding Ukrainian fighters for some time. I favored Usyk in every heavyweight fight that he has had due to the matchup of styles, that were tailor made for him, as referenced previously.

These styles allowed Usyk to excel with all the great tools that he has, with limited opposition.

In this fight, he’ll have a very different skill set in front of him in Fury. A big that moves, has speed, and can use angles. Add power to the equation, and this matchup begins to look less and less attractive for Usyk.

A bit about adversity. Usyk has yet to face it in the ring (the body shot by Dubois notwithstanding, and yes it was legal), whereas Fury has on multiple occasions. Usyk will no doubt face adversity in this one, and he is of a strong mindset, so it will be interesting. Fury will also face adversity against Usyk; however, as he has in the past, we know he will adapt.

Fury has been uncharacteristically mild in demeanor leading up to the fight, even going so far as to praise Usyk, now that’s different. Fury appears to be fully focused, as evident by his physical appearance, which is much leaner than we’ve seen him. Couple this with the massive decrease in his NSFW showmanship, and boisterous demeanor, and it screams focus.

A disciplined Fury is the best big in the business.

When Fury fought Deontay Wilder, at least in the first two fights, Wilder was considered a legitimate threat to beat Fury. We arguably got the best Fury we’ve had in both fights. Wilder was a danger to all that he held dear, which is legacy for the Fury name. Usyk is the first fighter since Wilder to pose that threat, this time, it’s tenfold. Wilder can punch yes, but Usyk can box, and has sneaky power, as such he is a clear and present danger, arguably more than Wilder.

This will be a very interesting matchup. As the saying goes styles make fights. It will be close at times, but each will have moments. A knockdown of each is not out of the question. In the end, I envision a strong start by Fury working behind the jab, and solid combination punching, with a focused attack to the body, softening Usyk up for the last third of the fight. Usyk will adjust after the first third of the fight and turn the tide a bit. Using his outstanding boxing skills, he’ll work underneath Fury’s reach and do damage. This is when Fury will conserve energy and use the ropes, channeling his inner Muhmmad Ali’s rope-a-dope. Usyk is a warrior and will go all out to stop Fury, but his aggression will be his poison and he’ll get clipped as Fury comes off the ropes. We’ll see him face the most adversity he has ever faced, and he’ll either go out on his shield, or hold on and lose by decision.

All that’s ever mattered to Tyson Fury is the legacy of all that he holds dear, his family name. Built from a gypsy’s cloth, he’s a warrior, and has been prepared for this moment, through trials and tribulations.

Going forward, Fury will face AJ, thus adding to the six degrees of Otto Wallin.

ReplyForward

https://acdn.adnxs-simple.com/ast/safeframe/static/0.60.1/html/safeframe-v2.html

Usyk/Joshua…A Rematch of Alternate Endings…..

Prologue

It is late in a London pub this Saturday night. The sound is deafening. As a non boxing enthusiast walks by, they wonder why the noise is louder than usual…….

At that same exact moment, 1,600 miles away in an undisclosed oblast, the boisterous output of countless Ukrainian soldiers shakes the very soil they are protecting……….

The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk 19-0 (13), and Anthony Joshua, 24-2 (22) this Saturday night in Saudi Arabia will provide the conclusion to the opening herein.

The rematch is the tale of two stories, or alternate endings, as you will. The curtain rises……

Act 1-First Ending…..USYK, The Champion…..

Usyk is a modern day Picaso, painting on the canvas of the squared circle fight after fight. In his first fight with Joshua, Usyk performed a masterclass taking the title from the former champion.

A former top cruiserweight champion, now wreaking havoc in the heavies, he is on a similar career path reminiscent of a legend from Atlanta.

Back in February, this rematch was the last thing on the champion’s mind as his beloved homeland of Ukraine was senselessly invaded. The overused idiom, “fighting for something larger than yourself” can unapologetically be inserted here as Usyk left boxing to fight for his country. At the urgence of his fellow soldiers, he left to pursue the rematch with Joshua.

As long as Usyk doesn’t get careless, which he has never shown to be, this fight will be one-sided. Usyk will be even more dominant this time around. He knows the power Joshua possesses, and he has the edge of having bested him the first time around. In fact, Usyk was close to putting Joshua in serious trouble late in the first fight, last September.

What we know….Usyk possesses the blueprint to beat Joshua. Working from his southpaw stance, a stance that Joshua admittedly admires and credits for giving him difficulty, Usyk circles, works in and out, and lands power when the opportunity presents itself. That said, it is the active jab of Usyk that is the core of the blueprint.

In the first fight, it was Usyk’s jab that caused Joshua to reset, over and over. The southpaw’s jab confused Joshua, and he fought cautiously, not knowing when the left power shot would come. In fact, this caused Joshua to correctly keep his right glove sealed tightly to his face, keeping himself out of harm’s way. This is textbook; however, Joshua was so cautious, he negated his own advantage, the power of his right hand. Joshua was trapped in the tangled web that is the genius of the Ukrainian.

Usyk needs only to follow his game plan from last September, and improve upon it. Use his speed, which was a factor against the heavy muscled lumbering approach of Joshua, and mix in the sneaky power left like he did initially in Round 3 and then throughout the fight. The jarring effect of Usyk’s power left caused Joshua to rethink everything, and arguably had him doubting his own gameplan.

Joshua has been almost embarrassingly complementary regarding Usyk’s southpaw style. I’m unsure if he believes he can be successful. Usyk can use this to his advantage and possibly switch stances, confusing Joshua and providing an opportunity for a huge opening.

In the lead up to this rematch, Joshua’s energy is off, not in a physical sense, but in a mental one. His body language is off and he appears to visibly show signs that he has doubt he can actually win. Usyk’s job is half done, the other half is the easy part for a painter.

Intermission

Act 2-Alternate Ending…..Joshua The Challenger…..

Anthony Joshua, are you all in? Have we already begun to see the decline? The oddity of the first fight with Andy Ruiz goes without saying. Even in the rematch, although one-sided, was not overly convincing in a stylistic sense, and more of a case of a lesser Ruiz, than an improved Joshua.

Flash-forward to the first fight with Usyk, and it is clear, something is amiss. Sure he KO’d Kubrat Pulev in between; however Pulev is a tailored made-flat footed opponent who was fighting on a 13 month layoff.

Combine all of this with the aforementioned vitality zap, and Saturday night may be the longest of his career yet, unless he focuses on the basics.

In the first fight, Joshua’s body attack was non-existent, his jab was sloppy and non committal, and his inability to fully commit to his power provided a recipe to relinquish his belts.

If Usyk had any vulnerability in the first fight, it was his inability to fight off his back foot. If you look close enough, you can see that Joshua’s angles and movement were giving Usyk a bit of confusion. When Joshua moved Usyk back even with a lazy jab, Usyk looked uncomfortable, and he had to reset, stopping all of his beautiful movement. The problem is, Joshua could not sustain it, and he allowed Usyk to dictate the terms. Further, Joshua did not cut off the ring, and allowed Usyk to control the space.

If Joshua is to be successful in the rematch, he needs to fight tall, and commit to the jab, which carries a four inch reach advantage. Use the stick as a weapon, not just as a range finder. Be a big heavy against a blown up cruiser. Back Usyk up, and use combinations to set up the advantage. Work the body, and impose his will.

That said, he must have success early and often. Heavily muscled fighters fatigue quickly. Evander Holyfield was the rare exception. Usyk appears bigger in the rematch than he was the first go; however, where Joshua’s size is more akin to a bodybuilder, Usyk’s size is more about endurance strength with speed.

If Joshua fights tall, works behind the jab, and stays disciplined he can keep the superior boxer at bay. This will force Usyk to fight off of his back foot and not allow him to impose his will like he did in the first fight.

Go back to the basics. Under the wise guidance of Robert Garcia this time around, Joshua may just be all in……

Epilogue

We may get a heavyweight version of Hagler v. Hearns at some point in this one, but only for a minute or so. I believe both bigs will try and make an early statement. Due to his speed, Usyk will get the better of it and will work under Joshua’s long reach, negating his power. Joshua will smartly understand that this tactic will not work, even though he is the bigger man. As such, each blueprint will have to be executed.

There is a lot to like about Joshua’s chances after rewatching the tape and seeing that it is only the most basic components of the sweet science that he needs to execute to have success. That said, the physical piece is only half. You must have a mindset that knows no defeat. Usyk has that, Joshua has not shown that he does.

Joshua will have more success and make things interesting; however, Usyk is just too good at this point in his career. He gets better with every fight and will be even better in the rematch. Joshua’s improved limited success will be his downfall. He will provide openings for the champion and will begin to take a beating. As the fight carries on past the middle rounds, and the heavily muscled Joshua begins to get arm weary, the speed of Usyk will become power and Joshua will find himself in trouble. His heart will say fight but his mindset will enter down that dark lonely land known as doubt.

Joshua will show a warrior’s heart, but the referee has a job to do. Usyk’s combination punching with bad intentions are too much.

Usyk TKO 8

As a loud patron leaves the London pub, the non boxing enthusiast inquires of the uproar….the patron says..”Joshua was knocked out”.

At that same exact moment, 1,600 miles away in an undisclosed oblast, the Ukrainian soldiers celebrate with pride as one of their own defends the world heavyweight championship…AND STILL!!!…….for these soldiers, and all of the Ukraine, all is right, if only for a moment…..

Curtain Closes

AND STILL….UNDISPUTED! USYK KO’s BELLEW IN 8

Tony Bellew (30-3-1 20 KO) brought the fight to undisputed Cruiserweight Champion Oleksander Usyk (16-0 12 KO) early and often but couldn’t sustain his effort.

After a true feeling out first round, Bellew seemed to surprise Usyk with his boxing ability and movement over the next two rounds. It was Usyk after all who was the pure boxer here, not Bellew the puncher.

Usyk had his moments but it was Bellew with the cleaner shots, better defense, and ring generalship in the first three rounds.

In the 4th, Usyk began to take over applying more pressure by working off of his front foot and began to throw his left from calculated angels. This would be his blueprint for the impending KO. The next two rounds were close but edge to Usyk for landing the cleaner, harder shots, controlling the majority of the round, and out boxing Bellew.

Standing-8 had it 3-3 after six.

There were signs in the 7th that Usyk was beginning to break Bellew down. Usyk walked Bellew down more in this round than the first six combined and did damaging work with Bellew on the ropes. Bellew looked fatigued and showed signs that the Usyk’s work was getting to him.

In the eighth, Usyk hit Bellew on the bottom of the chin with a short choppy straight left that stunned Bellew. Usyk then pulled back his money maker and let it rip directly back to the same exact spot……BANG!

With the KO, Usyk remains the undisputed, undefeated cruiserweight champion and most likely has placed himself into the “Fighter of The Year” discussion. Fellow Ukrainian, the great Vasyl Lomachenko was the 2017 FOY.

If I ever see Usyk or Lomachenko at a bar, my response to the bartender….”I’ll have what their having”………

Usyk Paints A Masterpiece

Aleksandr Usyk 15-0 (11 KO) dominated Murat Gassiev 26-1 (19 KO) in route to winning the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight final and capturing the first ever Muhammad Ali trophy.

Oh, and by the way, he also unified the cruiserweight division for good measure, the fastest ever to do so.

In order to know how Usyk got here, we have to take a quick peek backwards…..

Usyk, actually not only ended the first ever bracket in the new World Boxing Super Series, he actually started it back on September 9, 2017 in Berlin against Marco Huck.

In the fight against Huck, Usyk, an odds on favorite even at the beginning to best the cruiserweight field, stopped Huck in the tenth round. Huck was game but Usyk wore him down forcing the stoppage after a barrage of unanswered punches.

Next up was Mairis Briedis this past January 27th. It was a close fight from the onset with both fighters giving as good as they were getting. The cut from a head butt in round three no doubt affected Usyk a bit but it was hard to tell as Usyk fought tough throughout landing big shots on Briedis. Usyk closed each round strong which probably favored him in the eyes of the judges, When it was all said and done, Usyk scored a MD, 115-113 X2, 114-114.

As such, the stage was set for the fight with Gassiev, a fighter who had stopped both of his tournament opponents, Krzysztof Wlodarczyk and Yunier Dorticos.

Many had today’s fight 50/50 coming in. A contrast of styles, the puncher vs. the boxer puncher. An expected, ahem…fight-of-the-year candidate.

It was everything but.

Usyk controlled all aspects of the fight from the opening bell. The biggest key to his success was the utilization of his jab. His jab in this fight was a thing of beauty. Usyk popped it early and often and it never gave Gassiev a chance.

Usyk would jab high to negate anything Gassiev was about to do, then he would land hooks and straight lefts behind it, and again, jab to the body then back to the head. Usyk moves about as well for a cruiserweight that you will see.

Usyk’s defense was improved from past fights through his foot movement. Gassiev swung at air many times.

Gassiev did have some moments, like landing solid body shots from time to time and his best punch of the fight, the big right at the end of the 4th that seemed to stun Usyk momentarily. That’s said, Gassiev’s demise was his inability to sustain anything. In addition, he was inept at cutting off the ring and always kept looking for one big shot. Maybe Abel Sanchez thought he could GGG his way to victory?

Every round 1-12 was a carbon copy of the next. Usyk dominated in the scoring disciplines of ring generalship, defense, affective aggression, and clean punching.

One things for sure, Usyk has learned a thing or two from the best P4P fighter in the game, Vasyl Lomachenko. The footwork and defense was greatly improved. From time to time, you could see a bit of Loma in the ring today, the sneaky quick shot up through the middle, the hook followed by the movement.

Standing-8 had it a shut out for Usyk 120-108, with one official card matching our score and the two others a point off 119-109.

One look at the dominance of the Ukrainian fighters, and I can’t help but say…”I’ll have what their having”.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: