Why was Usyk so bad?

Boxing Boxing Talk
1

What was the major factor for Usyk to perform so poorly against Rico?

  • Rico better than expected, skilled kick boxer, huge size, awkward style, surprise element?
  • Age of Usyk finally showing up?
  • Weight Usyk was too heavy?
  • Usyk not taking the fight seriously?
  • Ukraine war on his mind?
2

Good question. Personally, I would discount the last two bullets. Usyk’s never been one to not take a fight seriously. Also, the Ukraine war has been going on for a while, and Usyk has fought during that time.

The other points, IMO, are valid. Although I did not see the fight, all accounts are that Rico was better than expected. Age also cannot be discounted. 39 is old for a boxer, regardless of former boxers who insist on fighting in their 50’s and 60’s. Finally, the size. Heavyweights today are much bigger than heavyweights of the past. The fact that Usyk got the better of Fury (twice) and Joshua (twice) cannot be overestimated. But combine age and size… and the disadvantages begin to pile up.

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3

i’ve already stated that i don’t think this fight was legit but coming in at a career high showed he hadn’t taken it seriously

4

Think Rico size and style made him awkward.

Has he got old. Don’t know. If he rejects the rematch we’ll know

5

Rico was not only so much better than expected, but Peter Fury’s gameplan was bang on. You have to give Rico credit. Not his fault he jumped the legit challengers and he took his opportunity with both hands. Any other Heavyweight who came out and made themselves such a nightmare on their debut against such a quality champion and we would be falling over ourselves to give him props. Yes Uysk should fight Kabayel next but Rico deserves a fight against another HW too. Who wouldn’t watch that?

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6

I would like to see Moses Itauma take on Rico and get the honour back to boxing. Rico would be perfect to catch the uppercut from the future heavyweight champion.

7

Gotta agree with you. A part of me winces when I see a crossover making his boxing debut and giving a boxing champion all he can handle (ie: Ngannou vs Fury). It’s that part of me that says “hey… you gotta work your way up the boxing rankings.” But you’re right. Rico cannot be faulted. He made the best of his opportunity and almost pulled off the unimaginable. Now the curious side of me wonders how he’d do against another top heavyweight. Still… yet another part of me (I have many parts :laughing: ) would want an AJ to come in and “strike a blow in defense of boxing”, like he did against Ngannou.