I believe Bivol can move up and dethrone Usyk à la Spinks Holmes

Bivol in still in his prime and Usyk is 39. Usyk is not only bigger but more skilled so logic dictates Bivol has no realistic chance. But Bivol is faster, moves more than anyone Usyk has ever faced, has show a good chin against big punchers at LHW and would be the most proficient counter puncher and defensive fighter Usyk has ever been in the ring with. It would not be an easy night for Usyk. If Bivol wants to throw throw the entire concept of weight classes and pfp out the door he has to beat Usyk and i believe he can do it. He completely dominated Zurdo who is a legitimate champion at cruiserweight and while Usyk is a completely different animal to Zurdo, size is overrated and styles make fights. Bivol is better than Tony Bellew who gave a peak Usyk problems

 

Bivol has slowed down a little and I don't think he has enough speed to stick and move all night long. Usyk is just too smart a fighter.

 

Lol Usyk KO's Bivol for fun then has to get a restraining order against his ex wife for stalking him

 

Steady on! Bivol would have his work cut out just getting any change at cruiser.

 

Usyk would toy with and wreck Bivol. Holmes was at end of reign and it’s arguable he won both Spinks fights. They were razor thin.

 

You're on crack.

 

Not a chance. Usyk would be kryptonite for smaller guys coning up. Usyk is the guy that moved up and beat the big guys through skill. Using good movement, speed, etc. Which is what Bivol would need to do vs a big guy, but he can't because this big guy is Usyk, so that won't happen. He would hold no advantages.

 

Bivol doesn't have the power or size to keep Usyk off him for 12 rounds, but I don't think it'd be as one-sided as people are making out. Usyk has been getting drastically overrated ever since he dismantled Euro-level Dubois (who he had already convincingly beaten) and a shellshocked Anthony Joshua. Bivol wouldn't walk nose-first into a haymaker from Row Z because he doesn't have the boxing IQ of a neanderthal, but Usyk beats him every day of the week.

 

Ok now I know you are a troll

 

Each thread more brilliant than the last.

 

Eh. Bivol is far quicker than Usyk, both hands and feet. Of course, would a 201lb Bivol still be far quicker? Making HW probably involves putting on 15lbs over his usual ring weight, and who knows if that ruins everything he relies on for his style. It might.

Of course, I don’t think it matters. Bivol would be giving up 7in in reach. Against someone as good as Usyk, that would be a serious issue. Power wouldn’t be an issue, I wouldn’t be surprised if Beterbiev and hw Usyk have around the same power. But a jabber as good as Usyk, with a 7in reach advantage? Good luck.

and then there’d be the whole Ukraine vs Russia aspect. Don’t think that would be lost on Usyk. He’d probably train harder than he ever has, come out at the bell like a bat out of hell.

 

I actually agree. Bivol seems like a bad style match up for Usyk.

I can’t see Bivol beating other heavyweights like AJ, Dubois etc even thought Usyk has proven he’s better than them. But I don’t think Usyk has the raw power to dominate Bivol.

How do you think Bivol vs Opetaia would go?