Are we underestimating these crossover fighters?

Not really I just think people forget Usyk is human.

He's 39 years old and hasn't been that active.

He wasn't in the best of shape weighing in at a career high of 233 pounds.

All the recipes for a possible disaster.

Rico had good footwork, better than expected stamina.

But no I don't think he's a high level boxer.

Rico's awkwardness with the element of the surprise equalled with Usyk's age, inactivity, as well as the extra weight contributed to a less than stellar performance.

You can give Usyk the benefit of the doubt due to his age.

But this is why I keep saying an active world champion shouldn't be taking these cross over fights.

Yeah they're good for the money but in regards to legacy it's always a lose/lose situation.

 

Rico is not a typical crossover fighter. A lot of his advantages were translating (stamina, general athleticism, grit), and he was an extremely experienced striker in a sport of pure strikers, whose style (Dutch Kickboxing) is notorious for great incorporation of boxing. Being a notorious MMA striker really means jack compared to being a top striker among actual damn strikers. In UFC you will face a lot of rock-paper match-ups and generalists who are nowhere near reaching the depth of particular disciplines.

Most importantly, Usyk was fat, slow, and unprepared. When he started unloading, he was still getting Rico out of there. He was robbed of a decisive 12th round.

Boxing referees being the sport's worst villains again.

 

He waited for McGregor to tire out. Floyd actually carried McGregor in that first round.

 

Fury, Usyk and Mayweather all lack any real KO power. They’ve all had successful careers by avoiding getting hit too much.

It’s a bit different in these fights where they’re expected to go out and easily KO someone. Especially when the someone is also a big, physical athlete.