Ali vs Usyk Who Wins

The bell finally sounds and the fight begins. Two grandmasters of the sweet science begin the slow walk and enter the loneliest place on earth.

Ali circles to his left, waiting to pounce on any mistake he spots, but Usyk is too crafty, taking his time and pawing out the jab.

There is not much action for the first minute as they feel each other out. Ali lands some fast and sharp jabs but doesn’t follow it up with too much. Usyk is studying his opponent intently, trying to find a pattern or something to exploit, but can’t seem to see anything.

In the last thirty seconds Ali launches into a blistering four-punch combination with a couple of scoring blows finding their target. The round is clearly his.

Losing the first round is of no concern to the Cat, who is used to starting slow and building the pace and momentum as the rounds tick away. Coming out for the second, he starts to let his hands go, but is still noticeably slower than the American, who keeps connecting with jabs and short rights.

Another round in the bag for Ali.

Coming out for the third and Usyk is starting to get a feel for the rhythm and movements of his foe. During the round he lands a couple of hard jabs and swift left hooks that find their mark, however once again he is just a little slower. The Greatest is earning his nickname, landing some blurring punches while showboating in between flurries.

Usyk is astonished by the speed and fleet footedness of Ali but has made some mental adjustments and is still feeling supremely confident.

Rounds four to six go to the Ukrainian, who’s now started to time his punches and wait for Ali to make the first move before countering with some hard lefts that land too often for Ali’s liking. Usyk is stepping to his right and throwing the lead left rather than his right jab, and this completely resets Ali’s rhythm and positioning. Once off balance, Usyk throws a couple of one-twos. Most don’t land, but enough do to edge him the rounds.

Into the second half of the fight and there is literally nothing to split the boxers. The fight is on a knife’s edge and Ali is unhappy. Having lost the last three rounds, he realises he has to pick up the pace.

The southpaw stance is giving Ali issues and he just can’t land enough punches in a row or settle into a flow. Usyk, on the other hand, seems to be getting stronger and piles on the pressure, landing a hard right cross that staggers his foe. A couple of beautifully timed lefts from Usyk and the round is not only his, but his best of the fight.

Rounds eight and nine are very tight. Ali has begun to feint more and move to his left to avoid the ramrod left that keeps finding his chin. Both fighters have success, but neither dominate enough to get either round.

The championship rounds and Usyk is in full flow, using his footwork and lateral movement to control distance and land some beautiful counters. The Ukrainian is cutting off the ring expertly and giving Ali flashbacks to the Rumble in the Jungle when Foreman masterfully kept closing the distance on him.

The idea of employing the rope a dope enters Ali’s mind, but he quickly rejects the thought. No way is his opponent falling into that trap and, with his gas tank, he would never tire. Instead Ali shakes his head and comes out more determined than ever, relying on his speed and reflexes to land as many quick-fire shots as possible. He manages to edge the round.

Round eleven gets underway and both fighters are slow to get off their stools, feeling the pace of a hard and fast fight. Mentally Ali is feeling exhausted at having to constantly outthink and outmanoeuvre the smartest fighter he’s ever faced.

A subtle feint to his left gives Usyk the opening he’s been after all night and BOOM! A huge right rocks the American.

Ali goes reeling into the ropes and walks straight into another brutal left hook. He’s clearly hurt and holding on. Usyk tries to wrestle free, surprised his foe is still standing and able to hold on. The ref breaks them up and Usyk lands some nice jabs, but Ali keeps circling out of striking range and manages to see out the round.

The fight is firmly in the Ukrainian’s favour with one round to go.

As his corner massage his chest and plead with him to come out and give it his all, Ali nods slowly, trying to regain his senses. Usyk simply stares ahead, convinced one final strong push for three more minutes will give him the fight.

The round starts and Ali rises from his stool, a look of defiance and focus etched across his face. During the first thirty seconds Usyk tries to corner his foe, but each time he closes the gap Ali dances out of position.

While Usyk is trying to force the action, Ali has managed to regain composure and understands he has less than two minutes to win the fight.

Usyk is also eager to impress the judges and put his stamp on the fight to prove he is the greater fighter. But unbeknownst to him, his opponent is alert and ready. Just as he is about to throw the left, an overhand right detonates on Usyk’s chin and BOOM! Then a huge left finds its target.

He covers up but Ali is relentless, pulling his foe’s arms out of guard and belting in three punches that Usyk didn’t see coming. A final right cracks on his opponent’s head and Usyk is forced to take a knee.

The crowd erupts, sensing a dramatic finish. Usyk makes the count but is feeling dazed and pretty pissed at himself. Ali comes in but can’t land any finishing blows.

The final thirty seconds and Usyk has cleared his head. He starts releasing some fantastic shots, but just can’t seem to land anything that scores a much-needed knockdown.

The bell sounds and both fighters embrace.

Verdict: Split decision win to Ali.

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