I admire Usyk for going into everyone else's backyard, but he was almost screwed against Breidis. Does he really stand a chance in Russia?
the scoring for the WBSS has actually been quite good to the visiting fighter so far, but this is Russia, a whole other ball game. i hope not, but i wouldn't be surprised to see them being unfair to him
The minute they scrapped the plan they had had since day one and did everything they could to get the final held in Russia was the minute I knew uysk has 2 battles in his hands when he fights that fight.
He will get paid well and might have rematch in Ukraine or so anyway since they announced rematch is possibility so its fine,but ye you always have to assume and accept that when you fight on foreign soil that judges cards and referee will be helping the home fighter.
Very good chance. If an Ukrainian would get the decision in current Russia, there's a chance all hell would brake lose.
Usyk can't afford to worry about it. His performance will speak for itself. At the end of his professional career, he's more likely to be remembered for what he does at heavyweight than what he does in this tournament. So if gets screwed, he needs to deal with it & move on.
Its good because Usyk might go for the KO. I suspect there is another level there with Usyk. Hopefully we see a KO and can start talking about Usyk moving up a division.
Gassiev dropped from a +250 or +300 outsider to only about +140 just because this is in Russia, so yes this is a legitimate concern. However, the WBSS has been relatively good in terms of scoring thus far, and Gassiev seems to be a decent chap - I don't see him or his team playing funny tricks. IMHO Usyk just needs to win 8-9 rounds and he'll be OK, he got the decision against Briedis in Riga after all. But that's easier said than done, Gassiev keeps improving and his power is always a threat.
I think there is too, however I think that other level is turning in a defensive masterclass instead of going for a KO.
I fear Usyk might get knocked out. If he gets screwed, that will be bad but not a tragedy, considering a possible rematch and his plans to move up to the heavyweight.
It could happen but Wlad got a fair shake in Russia vs Povetkin, sure he might of utterly dominated Povetkin but it seemed like a fair and above board fight.