I'll take Charles by UD over 15. Usyk has never fought someone on Charles' level, with superior ring generalship and handspeed to himself, as Charles does. Charles, on the other hand, fought impressive fights against a wide selection of fighters I consider better than Usyk. At the very least I think Walcott is better than Usyk and Charles managed to outpoint that slickster twice
A true 50/50 for me I'm the biggest Ezz supporter I can find on here but I think Usyk causes all sorts of problems for him. His jab is very long and is fast, there stamina is pretty similar imo, Charles having longer fights but Usyk having a higher output. I think power favours Usyk above 175, speed is pretty much even and Charles has the more proven chin so far. Footwork on both sides is immaculate, but I give an edge to Charles Usyk is much bigger but has met his match in ring IQ (not something you'd say often). I think that Ezzard would hook over his jab and try to set up shots while in the pocket, he'd be at his best here (his defence was brilliant against Walcott) but also in a very dangerous spot. He'd have to go to the body or Usyks work rate will win to many rounds. For me Usyk has the early advantage as he would already be used to the southpaw/orthodox feet clash, Charles would have to adjust. I see Usyk winning rounds whilst Charles is doing that. Going into the mid rounds is a complete toss up and is definitely what would pull the fight imo, I like Ezzard to flick his left hook over Usyks jab and catch him enough to win rounds (with Ezzard's own jab and right hand to the body), but Usyk could make it ugly and bear hug Ezz when he comes in, and use his physicality to pull some of the rounds his way Going into the later rounds I like Ezzard to know what he's doing and taking the rounds clearly, still close with Usyk having success but Charles taking them, just due to Usyks bag of surprises being empty and Ezzard fighting how he normally does. Over 12 I think a draw or controversial (really close that fans have hissy fits over) decision either way. Over 15 I think Charles takes more of the later rounds than Usyk does (I wouldn't be surprised if he took all 3) and wins on PTS clearly Draw SD12 Charles UD15 One of the greatest tactical match ups ever imo.
Can we see a bit more of Usky before starting these threads? Right now, I'd lean toward Usyk on points in a close match. Both are skilled, Charles more in a pound for pound senses Usky however is much taller / longer and also more durable.
Ezzard Charles height 6′ 0″ / 183cm reach 73″ / 185cm Oleksander Usyk height 6′ 3″ / 190cm reach 78″ / 198cm I think much is a strong word, there have been worse size match ups. And whilst I think Usyk is durable, what has he done to prove it? Oh and yes, I'd love to see more Usyk here, particularly Usyk vs Marciano
Anyway, I think Ezzard would just take this one, as George said. Maybe over 12 Usyk wins, but it's decisive over 15 for Charles. Usyk is a great mover, but he is taggable, as Bellew and Hunter showed. Ezzard is in a class of his own in regards to IQ, but will have trouble with Usyks southpaw style. Ezzard will have alot of success inside, as he is the much better inside fighter, and Usyk's style does not lend to this. This would allow Ezzard to gain rounds later on, and set up more mid range offense.
I don't know, why people think Usyk would fade late in the fight. He has demonstrated a very good engine, which allows him to work at a high pace for 12 rounds without any signs og gassing out. So pacing himself for 15 shouldn't be a problem. At 215 lbs I think he would be a little too big and strong for Charles. Charles was a fine boxer, but let's not forget that Usyk is pretty decent himself. He's not just big and strong - he can actually fight, and is of course experienced beyond his few pro bouts. I will take Usyk on points.
