Mark my words: If Usyk comes in at anything above 215 lbs, he will not have enough endurance and speed to beat Joshua. I do think Usyk can sneak in a win if he shows up lean. But if he bulks up, he will slow down, Joshua will break him down.
Usyk has a tiny head and slim frame He can't carry that much weight effectively without it hindering him 220lbs max Most likely under. His literal advantage is to be smaller, lighter and faster than Joshua. Why would he give that up?
I doubt he'll come in that heavy, he looks leaner than he was earlier in the year. I suspect he'll be around 220lbs.
210 or below 220lbs is probably best for him. If I was him, I'd be working on speed, explosive combos, and movement. Don't need to bulk up. Holyfield was 205lbs against Bowe the 1st fight & 217lbs in the 2nd.
I agree but the Holyfield example isn't a good one, he lost at 205lbs and then bulked up and won the 2nd fight at 217lbs.
Usyk to come in with a Ruiz physique and batter AJ around the ring like he's got the last snickers in the world in his pocket. In all seriousness how messed up is boxing that a fighter like Usyk has to consider changing everything he has ever due to the fact he won't get a decision without knockdowns.
You're leaving something out of the equation here though, if Usyk comes in and sets a blistering pace for the first 6 or 7 rounds. AJ will be dead on his feet by the 5th round. Because any version of AJ has terrible stamina when forced to expend even the slightest amount of energy in excess to what he usually expends.
