Oleksander Usyk vs Ike Ibeabuchi

Ike is dangerous but I really have to question a guys ring IQ when he can't outbox David Tua despite having an iron chin. Usyk should win this.

 

Disagree Vic.

It was clearly a low blow (one of a number Dubois threw), and they don’t necessarily have to hit you directly in the balls - below the belt line punches are illegal for obvious and fair reasons.

There have also been ridiculous claims by some that Usyk wears his trunks high - Oleks trunks sit exactly where they should - did those same pundits not notice Dubois’s trunks sitting much higher?

Of course Fury came out to add fuel to the fire to claim Usyk’s trunks were high - that was a laugh - King Harry High Pants himself calling the kettle black. Lol.

 

I think Usyk out boxes him. Ike prior to melting him had a decent amount of trouble with Chris Byrd. I think Usyk duplicates that and more (as he's far better on the front foot)

 

DP, you know I respect your opinion, including your take re this particular contention - and of course I already knew you didn’t consider the punch low, which is fine.

I’ll just say that the greater part of the glove landed low imo.

Usyk’s navel is visible at different points during the fight - why would it suddenly not be in that one instance - I haven’t checked but has any provision been made for the punch itself pushing the trunks up a bit?

Also, the protector itself can get knocked into the balls. I’ve been hit square in the jewels before - an absolute world of pain with all manner of symptoms - including feeling like you’ve been winded and definitely literal shaking due to the acute pain.

Bottom line is that Dubois should’ve kept his punches up - and that wasn’t a random stray shot - Dubois threw more than a few too many for it to be considered an accident - and he still threw low blows after the fact. Imo, he was gunning for it.

 

Going for Usyk on points. Not to say that Ike Ibeabuchi would not be dangerous but I think Usyk's speed, movement, stamina and technical ability should take it.

 

I've still got battle scars mate from debating it in that thread I made in GF forum.

 

Ike has become one of the great “what if?” legends of boxing, slightly more proven than Edwin Valero, but in the same realm. What we saw was impressive, but also very limited. Ike’s legend is based upon beating a perpetual bridesmaid in Tua (albeit in a helluva a great fight), who is more famous for his losses than his wins, and knocking out an overachieving southpaw cutie in Byrd. Both are good, legit wins but that’s as far as they go. And then Ike goes bonkers and The End. Part of greatness is perseverance and keeping your sh!t together physically and mentally.
Usyk, on the other hand, was an Olympic gold medalist with an extensive amateur career and is universally regarded as one of the two greatest cruiserweights, along with Holyfield. He consistently fights in his opponents backyards, is undefeated, has never been on the canvas (other than from a controversial low-blow), all the while seeking the biggest challenges and has never shown any mental weakness.
None of that means that he’d beat Ike, but he’s far more proven in every aspect of the sport.

 

Haha - you stood your ground well Champ..and civilly so.

Discussions in the GF can become wild and unruly but your keeping your head while others are losing theirs has been duly noted. Respect.

 

I'll never forget when it was announced Ike Ibeabuchi v David Tua & I put on a forum Ike would beat Tua. David had been hailed as the new Tyson was Ko'ing everyone. I got laughed at & ridiculed by most of the other guys.
I remember saying wait till the fight & see what happens. Sure enough fight happens guys were bragging Tua in 3 Ike wont last 5 rounds. I had an advantage I'd watched the late great Curtis Cokes transform Ike from a crude banger to a complete boxer puncher. Was a great fight with the most punches thrown ever in a 12 round title match. Ike deservedly got the decision in a close fight. The forum lit up with Where have you been hiding Ike He's awesome etc.LOL When you watch a fighter progress day by day & not have to rely on media reports it makes it easier LOL

 

I haven’t watched it for quite a while but if you had to differentiate, would it be fair to say that Ike’s shots had that little bit more effect on Tua? I’d rate Tua the harder puncher so that was some chin Ike upheld.

IIRC, Tua might’ve even appeared a touch distressed a couple of times due to the unyielding punch for punch engagement. Ibeabuchi was just a brick wall. It was certainly a punch out for the ages.

 

Still disagree Vic but not a lot more I can add to what I’ve already said.

Low blows don’t just provide for punches directly to the balls - all shots below the belt line are precluded - including punches to the hips.

As to whatever else has been let go - well, at the risk of being cliched, two wrongs don’t make a right. IMO, Holyfield butted Tyson deliberately but that doesn’t mean it set a precedent to be allowed in all cases going forward.

 

I already addressed where I think Usyk’s trunks sat - but all good buddy, just a difference of opinions, fairly expressed from both sides.

I’ve said it here before a few times, I have “glass” balls myself - people might think I’m faking total incapacitation when hit in that region but I can assure you I’m not.

My Achilles ball bag, so to speak, whilst still having a chin of steel.

 

Why outbox him when you can win by going the hammer?