Realistically, can Wilder knock out Usyk?

About as much chance as me getting it on with Sydney Sweeny.

 

I’m not sure Wilder is even a top 50 HW on current form

Wilder has no path to victory. I don’t even give him a puncher’s chance, he is beyond shot to pieces, which is why Usyk picked him. Relatively high reward for absolutely zero risk.

 

Of course he can

 

Fury did rock Usyk with that uppercut, Usyk said as much himself.

Can Wilder do the job? Very unlikely unless he throws caution to the winds and tries to fight erratically and unconventionally. Usyk will likely apply pressure from the bell to nullify Wilders power shot and cruise to a UD/late round stoppage.

 

If you were to compare a recent, common opponent of AJ and Wilder look no further than Helenius. Wilder did it in 1, it took the more skilled AJ 7.

 

Shocking how many no votes are casted.

It’s heavyweight, he needs 1 great blow to score the KO.

Does he land it? Probably not, but he can.

 

No. Wilder has lost his power, he can't pull the trigger anymore. Fight is a waste of time.

 

I would favour a Jermain Franklin to beat Wilder at this point. Wilder did not even look European level vs Herndon, he has lost a lot in the ring mentally and physically. He should really retire, but I get if this big money fight is out there he has to take it.

Wilder does not stand a chance vs Usyk at this stage.

 

Yes, but they have completely different styles. AJ can box and is sometimes cautious. Wilder goes out there and starts throwing the big right hand...because its all he's got. It's not a contest to see who can get guys out of there more quickly.

 

My point is their power is very different. It was a short, non-assuming punch from Wilder that took his soul that fight, he wasn't exactly wildly swinging and hoping for the KO.

And if AJ is the much better boxer, why did it take him 7 rounds against Helenius to get the job done?

 

Because boxing implies caution and defense.

Also, it's not the same Helenius they fought. Every concussion makes it easier to get another, so Wilder fought a diminished version.

 

1. Wilder was arguably more cautious, getting the KO on the ropes with a short punch. AJ was actively hunting Helenius and didn't do great at it because he's not as good a boxer as many claim he is.

2. Wilder fought Helenius first (15 October 2022 vs 12 August 2023), meaning AJ had a diminished version and still struggled to get him out of there.

 

to be fair, Zhang was just as scared of Wilder as Wilder was of him. Was a ridiculous fight. Both guys wanted NO part of being hit by the other. Zhang just happened to land first.

 

I hope Usyk fights Wilder 3 times. Read between the lines why

 

You are right about the second point. I don't agree that Wilder was more cautious. If that is your perception, then yes, I see why you believe as you do. But what about another common opponent in Parker? Joshua wona tough one, whereas Wilder lost.