Eight years ago today: Oleksandr Oleksandrovych "The Cat" Usyk vs. Michael "The Bounty" Hunter, Jr.

This content is protected

Both were unbeaten cruiserweights. Both had debuted four years earlier, in 2013, after strong amateur careers. On this day, one man's professional zero had to go. In hindsight, little surprise it was the American's. Back then, however, many tipped him for the upset (although he was a +700 underdog). At most he would take - or make debatable - about 3 rounds, all in the first half. This was most international audiences' first time seeing how effective the Ukrainian future undisputed heavyweight champ is capable of being in deep waters (although diehards would have already seen him sweep the championship rounds versus Głowacki to claim the WBO cruiser title and then kayo Mchunu in the 9th to retain in his first defense prior to Hunter).

It's kind of crazy how many posters in those days predicted Usyk to get stopped if he moved up to HW, and complained of his being feather-fisted and careless in his punch selection among other nitpicks. It's also mad that with all his lackluster performances since Hunter still just officially has the 1 defeat in a sanctioned match (his other loss was in the only sporadically recognized IBA Pro league and isn't reflected on his main record on BoxRec).

 

Hunter was quite competitive in the first 5 rounds, before Usyk’s constant movement and incredible stamina broke him down. Hunter had legit top 10 skills, shame he didn’t do more with his career.

 

Hunter won the first 3 or 4 rounds then Usyk took over in the 2nd half of the fight as he often does in fights.

I remember Usyk having a crazy workrate in the 12th round over 100 punches thrown ? If I remember rightly.

 

Hunter fought well early but didn't realize how he needed to pace himself. Breidis learned from Hunter.

Hunter is a good fighter who wasted much of his potential. Still, good fight. IMO after the Breidis win, beating Hunter is arguably Usyk's most impressive cruiserweight performance.

 

Feels like this was like 3 years ago...time flies super fast. Back then people claimed Usyk can't do a **** at HW.

 

Just the Irony of time:

 

Hunter was winning this until Usyk realized Hunter is weak to the body in round 5.

Usyk had difficulties landing on Hunter's head, Hunter was too fast and had good head movement.

 

He's got a chance to come back now with the small tournament WBA announced.

 

Hard to believe this fight was EIGHT YEARS AGO!! Wow.

 

This Usyk was even better. Unbelievable ability to go through the gears.

 

Usyk just gave away the first 2-3 rounds like he almost always does against guys he knows he's going to beat. It's part of his strategy to make guys expend energy they don't have, and I think it has to do with timing the southpaw jab, too. Watch Hunter, Bellew, Chisora...amazing how effective they are early, and then Usyk just turns it on and cancels them. Here's why...

This content is protected

 

A part of me hopes he wins. I was a fan of his dad and I like him. But a part of me hopes youth is served and Wardley emerges on the scene. We need some new blood.

 

Hilarious how Hunter took a lot of money from an App. Fought a few bums and by the time that was over his career was done for.

His best result since losing to Usyk was a win over age fraud Bakole and a draw with journeyman Jerry Forrest!

 

Alot of these guys like Hunter are frontrunners. They look great when they're winning but as soon as they encounter any resistance they mentally implode.