Any boxing fans on the forum?

just don't think he's going to outbox usyk, who is a special boxer who trains w the demon loma. doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result would be sub-optimal imo - think he needs to use his size advantage to have half a chance

Yeah, he needs to play to his size and strength more and go for a ko. Don't think it will work but a better chance of success than his plan last night.

Agreed. The Ruiz rematch showed he can learn, albeit with an inferior Ruiz. I do wonder if that’s left some mental scarring though. Not to be over dramatic but might be the end of him.
Needs a bit for fire in his belly like the Whyte fight.

That's what he did last night. Didn't go too well.

Yeah, pretty sure he came in smaller in the hope of gaining a bit of speed.

He found more than enough speed, only problem was that it was coming at him.

Fury wins because he is so much bigger - I do agree with Bellew that it’s Usyk’s size that will stop him. I thought AJ would be too big for him and throw more big punches. But he didn’t make his size count and struggled

Whatever you think about AJ he’s done so much to bring excitement back to this weight class. People can call him a bodybuilder or whatever other silly snide remark they fancy but he’s brought the box office back and for that you have to appreciate him

Completely agree.

I enjoyed the Joshua Klitchko fight a hundred times over that one.

These tactical fighters who dance around the jab, Fury, Mayweather and possibly now Usyk are the end of the the big hitters?

A shame if so imo.

Totally agree.

What is wrong with boxers who can actually box? Interesting that the three you mention all have a KO rate of around 60%, so not exactly tedious. It could be argued that Wilder is great box office, it can't be argued that he's a great boxer. Boxing is about skill, not just a big punch, although we all like to see a 'real' fight.

My tuppence - Joshua got the boxing lesson he's been due for some time, largely because of his slow hands, lack of lateral movement (other than the predictable occasional step to his left), telegraphed head movement, once paced, boxing by numbers and lack of any kind of in-fight strategy.

Whatever you think about AJ he’s done so much to bring excitement back to this weight class. People can call him a bodybuilder or whatever other silly snide remark they fancy but he’s brought the box office back and for that you have to appreciate him

True, as did Bruno. I'm not sure the "bodybuilder" comment is completely silly, just like Bruno, he has an over-muscled physique that lets him down - slow hands, heavy arms that get heavier with each round, forced rather than flowing punches, etc. And, just like Bruno, he has no instinct when he gets hurt - doesn't grab, doesn't move, doesn't cover up, just leaves his chin out there.

These tactical fighters who dance around the jab, Fury, Mayweather and possibly now Usyk are the end of the the big hitters?

You must be watching different fights to me if they're dancing around the jab. Usyk threw more power punches than Joshua (96 to 71) and the same number of jabs - from a fighter giving away 3" in height, 4" in reach and 8kg. Fury had Wilder down twice before stopping him. Punchers often get themselves to the top, but rarely stay there if that's all they've got - I fear this is probably the case with Joshua.

Larry Holmes was 60%, Ray Leonard 62%...

I wonder how Lennox would have faired?

...or even the real Tyson.

I wonder how Lennox would have faired?

With his excellent jab and ring craft?

They are generally dull.

I won't pay to watch Fury or Mayweather (if he wants moe money)

Should be banned for lack of excitement imo.

Like watching paint dry.

madness

fury is pure box office

I will admit I was interested when he got floored by Wilder.

Even astonished his Gypsy charm revived him.

The Bronze Bomber must remember to reload this time...

Otherwise it's team 'jab n run' 4eva.

Did you not watch the second Wilder Fury fight? There was precious little jab and run on show, just an outclassed one trick pony absorbing a beating he had no idea how to avoid because he can't box.

The original Tyson was a very good boxer first, an exceptional puncher second. Watch his training videos, Wilder should, he might finally learn something.

I guess Fury has belief and that is something to be admired.

Yes he did use the right also but no real combinations.

Ear licking tho.

Better than biting the ear off, ask Evander Holyfield.

Fury and Tyson are both unpleasant humans, but good boxers. I doubt you'd want to spend much time in Wilder's company either. Bruno is a nice guy but was a lousy boxer. Probably the most successful Brit was Duke McKenzie (3 weight World Champion) and the nicest bloke you could meet. He earned very little from boxing because he fought in lighter divisions, had a 50% KO rate and so wasn't box office.

Unfair isn't it?

Thought the actual fight the other night was pretty good, noticeable lack of holding and AJ to his credit didn't shy away even after he realised he was in deep water during the first round even. They were both trading blows into the 12th with visible damage, Not sure what more could have been offered?

I think I expected Joshua to have more gas and use it in the later rounds with some sharp combinations.

Usyk said at the end he was holding back.

Point taken. And I agree on a technical/boxing level but i think that one of the reasons AJ is very marketable is because he is clearly an athlete.

The instinct and some of the technique flaws (I don’t) think are because of his overly muscular physique but you would’ve hoped he would’ve improved on as it seems consistent