A quick preview of the talent at 91K and 91+K at the Olympics

Many fans wonder what the heavyweight division will look like once the Klitschkos retire. While Wlad looks like he can stay on top for another 4 years, by 2016 he will be at the end of his career. Fans of heavyweight boxing looking for new talent can always look to the World Championship Amateur Championships, and the Olympics. Most amateurs it takes 3-4 years before they are ready for a world title shot. In other words, by 2016 some of the below names might have worked their way up to a title shot.

I do believe the overall depth in the 2012 games at Super heavyweight and heavyweight is better than 2008, 2004, 2000, 1996, and even 1992. While I won’t predict there will be someone as good as Lewis or either Klitschko, I can say the 2012 games are teaming with young talent.

Below is a quick rundown of guys that I think would make good professionals:


Heavyweight, 91KG.


Usky. Nation: Ukraine. Age 25 years old. A 6’3” lefty with pound for pound type of skills and very good hand speed, Usky was absolutely robbed in the 2008 games. He won the world championships in 2011. Not a huge puncher, but the skills are there. He will be tough to beat. It only takes 30 seconds of watching this guy to see how good he is. My pick for gold.

Beterbiev. Nation: Russia. Age 27. 6’ Beterbiev is a true boxer puncher; Beterbiev is a very watchable fighter who can win on points of via stoppage. A former light heavyweight, Beterbiev is only 6’ feet tall. His best chances as a professional looks to be cruiser weight. If Beterbiev is in the opposite bracket of Usky, he should win Bronze or Silver. Gold is not out of the question.


Hunter. Nation USA. Age 24. 6’2” Hunter, is the son of former professional heavyweight, Mike “ the Bounty “ Hunter. Hunter is fast, and can counter. Hunter wasn’t big or powerful enough to succeed at super heavyweight as the size difference and power difference between 91Kg and 91+Kg can be significant these days. With a good draw, Hunter can win Bronze. For what it’s worth, Hunter is a bit better than past USA heavies and super heavies. I am lisitng him here for that reason even if there might be a better choice.




Super Heavyweight, 91k+

This field will be hard to handicap! I can see 4 men winning gold here so I will just list the best.


Dychko. Nation: Kazakjstan. Age 21. 6’9”. Dychko looks a bit like Vitali Klitshcko with a shaved head. For a guy 6’9”, Dycko has fantastic foot speed. He has the foot quickness of a light weight, and pretty quick hands too. The skills are solid. He can pile up points with his height and reach, hit for power, or counter. He takes a good punch too. Simply stated he’s a fantastic young talent who might be ready to come into his own this summer. Not sure if he would turn professional if he wins gold due to his age.


Medzhidov. Nation: Born in Russia, fights for Azerbaijan. Age 25. 6’3”. Medzhidov is a brutal looking puncher. When he lands there is a thudding sound like a ferry dock slamming into a dock. How hard does he hit? I think harder than Lewis or Wlad when they were amateurs. When Medzhidov lands his opponent either retreats quickly or is visibly hurt. Medzhidov won the 2011 world amateur championships scoring a few stoppages along the way. He is a little wild, but has the right sort of pressure style, which is complemented by his “ I’m going to take you out mentality. “ His chin appears to be iron, and he has good stamina for a man his size and build. No one will exchange punches willingly with this guy! I hope he goes pro.


Joshua Nation: Great Brittan. Age 22. 6’6”. Joshua is perhaps the best overall combination of size, speed, power and skills at super heavyweight, however he has been stopped twice before, so his chin is an issue. He’s not a coward or runner. He has show heart. Joshua came out of nowhere and won silver in the 2011 game, getting an easy early draw, and losing in the finals to Medzhidov. He will have the home town advantage in the games. If Joshua fights smart, he can win gold. I think he will turn professional one day. He has had some issues with the law before, though, and needs to mature a bit before turning professional.


Omarov. Nation: Russia. Age 22. 6’5”. A fast rising talent, Omarov hold recent wins over the young Hrgovic ( who is better than more than half the field here but did not qualify due to the talent level in Europe ) and a Cammarlle ( who won gold in 2008 ). Omarov can box and hit. I have seen him the least of the top 4, but if he puts it all together gold is not out of the question.