Could Wilder have cut to cruiserweight and if so how does he do?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Aug 3, 2025.

  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Would he have a trilogy with Usyk at that weight?
     
  2. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 MONZON VS HAGLER 2025 Full Member

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    ….so when he was 210-220lbs he could make Cruiser by losing some water weight but not fat he basically had none, that’s it, that’s the answer.
     
  3. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Not successfully. Yeah he could make that weight in theory but it’s hard to imagine him being healthy.
     
  4. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Probably could have lost the water weight but that would have put him in the same division as Usyk and Briedis. I mean, they had him fighting guys like Molina and Szpilka for a reason, so...
     
  5. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    First, I doubt he'd be feeling too good even if he could make the weight. For sure it would have impacted his performance. Secondly, he'd have been facing a few seriously badass dudes down there unless he tried to line up a succession of stiffs like at heavy. Usyk would murder him jesus christ.
     
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  6. Smoochie

    Smoochie G.R.E.B G.O.A.T Full Member

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  7. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 MONZON VS HAGLER 2025 Full Member

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    Yeah if anything HW was better, it was full of guys he could hit… Wilder needed a big target lol.
     
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  8. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Murder is a strong word
     
  9. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    So you're saying he only beat stiffs?
     
  10. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Yeah, he'd have made it without issue, and he'd have done very, very well at cruiserweight.

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    That's him at 23 fighting Gray. He weighs 213. Anyone looking at this photo tho thinks Wilder would have to hurt himself to make the weight...doesn't understand weight-making recovery in the modern era.

    I've said it many, many times before but modern weight-making is the worst understanding aspect of modern boxing by far on Classic. For reference, here is a fighter with "no fat to lose" who "probably doesn't feel great making weight" who also was a killing machine 30 hours later:

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    Now look at Wilder again. He is absolutely lush by comparison. There is fat and water both to be sacrificed in seeking the fifteen pounds he needs to temporarily drop. Note, Wilder would look exactly like he looks in that photo in the ring at cruiserweight (almost).

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  11. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    Only? No. Ortiz was good. But outside that I'm finding it hard to identify any impressive wins.
     
  12. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    He had a draw with Fury
     
  13. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Wilder probably could have made CW looking at this. But if he did,Usyk would have toyed with him.
     
  14. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    Yeah ... Fury right off the fat farm in a fight where Wilder basically won 3 rounds at most.
     
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  15. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing

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    I agree. He'd do very well at Cruiser. Who do you think gets him there? Usyk for sure. But how do you think he fairs against the likes of Gasiev, Breides, Huck, etc?