Oleksandr Usyk vs Prime Alexander Povetkin - who would take it?

It's a real shame we never got to see this fight—it would have been an incredible event...

Just imagine from the start: both fighters with their epic ring walk songs, the Ukraine vs. Russia dynamic, and the clash of styles. On one side, you have Usyk, the incredibly skilled, slick southpaw master. On the other, Povetkin, a ferocious combination puncher and an absolute genius at setting traps, with power in both hands. Both Olympic gold medalists.

Who do you think would have taken it?

As a massive Povetkin fan, I’ll admit I might be a little biased, but I genuinely believe he’d have a good chance of beating Usyk. It would definitely be close, though.

What are your thoughts?

 

Usyk

 

I think Usyk would edge it but it would not be an easy night at all...
As you said Povetkin was a master at setting traps but Usyk movement and IQ would still overcome it I think.

I've also always been a Povetkin fan, absolutely love his boxing style, so pleasant to see (except vs Klitschko).

One of Usyk toughest fight for sure!

 

Styles make fights and Povetkin is a tough stylistic match for Usyk.

Good pressure, devestating power in both hands. At heavy, Usyk hasn't faced too many strong left hookers and Pov was a wonderful left hooker.

Still, you have to go with the ATG. Usyk will dig deep, up the work rate late and win a decision.

Great fight.

 

Usyk by decision in a war...

 

Not happening. Sasha's footwork was too limited to trouble Usyk for more than a few rounds.

Usyk wide UD.

 

Definitely Usyk. By clear UD. But Povetkin at his best was too good not to have his moments. And it would NOT surprise me if he became the first person to legitimately drop Oleksandr. Prime Sasha (2014-2017) was as dangerous as they come. But Usyk’s skill and heart are another level.

Usyk UD 116-112

 

Usyk wins comfortably, even if Povetkin was on the sauce

 

Usyk beats Povetkin, same as he'd beat guys like Pulev, Takam and that whole generation of contenders.

 

Usyk points in a relatively close fights

 

Usyk is a class above the overrated Povetkin(on here)

 

People forget how good Povetkin was at one point... an excellent HW to watch rather than a dull WK affair...had Klitschkos not been around Povetkin would have been a world champion no doubt. This would be a quality match up but id favour Usyk, who just had that bit of extra IQ to overcome even the big fellas.

 

Yeah once upon a time I favoured Povetkin but today I think Usyk would outpoint him.

 

A great fight and clash of styles, two Olympic champs with great technical ability against each other. Usyk is the way better fighter at the end bit still great fight especially with the trapsetting of povetkin and his legit one punch ko power. Similar fight imo to the glowacki/chisora type of fight.

Usyk by clear decision with some great moments in the fight

 

Prime for prime.
This is a very competitive fight, Povetkin would level change and shoot that right to the body. When Usyk tucks up, Povetkin would fit them body shots in, left hook to the body to open up the left uppercut slotted through the guard then the right as Usyk pulls away, he’d be able to close the distance.
Usyk would have success using that lead hand to get Povetkin to duck to Povetkin’s right and Usyk would time him with that straight left followed up with the right hook. He’d be able to time Povetkin as he lunges in, by throwing a check right hook followed up with the left uppercut.
This would be a very competitive fight which I wish we could’ve see if Usyk moved up when he was like 30.
Prime for prime, I’d favour Usyk to steal it.