Bellew v Usyk

Has it been confirmed at heavyweigh?

Bellew has said he wants to fight for the cruiser belts.

 

Bellew is more than just a name, he’s ranked at 4 with the WBC.

 

I don't know. I just thought it might happen there at heavy after Usyk's talk of fighting the big fellas. I hope Bellew can do the weight alright (Cruiser) We'll see what happens.

 

Whilst it makes sense to lose a bit of timber to challenge for all the belts, he could be giving away a bit of an advantage by doing so. He looks in peak condition at 15 stone and carries power at the weight. He really is a savvy fighter and is fully aware of his limitations and strengths. He knows he can’t win this fight on points. Usyk is a brilliant boxer who throws a high frequency of shots. I think the way to land on Usyk is to let him get complacent which I think he did against Briedis. He caught a lot of shots in that fight (195). Whilst you have to say that Usyk is an overwhelming favourite, Bellew is capable of hurting him at 15 stone+ imo

 

There's no way Bellew fights Usyk at Heavyweight. He's a savvy fighter but his ego won't let him pass by attempting to unify the division for his Swansong.

 

totally agree Bellew needs this fight at heavyweight imo if he he any chance of winning.

 

I'm 95% certain that Usyk is going to give Bellew a boxing lesson.

That 5% though is enough for everyone to think Bellew may just pull this off. He is a salesman with mediocre talent who is capable of hurting anyone.

Fair play to Bellew if he takes the fight.

 

His talent isn’t mediocre though is it? He’s been in world title fights at light heavy and cruiser (won) and has destroyed David Haye at heavy who many declared would end Bellew’s career.

There’s no shame in losing to Stevenson, picking up a WBC belt, stepping up in weight to fight Haye because he refused to come down, now taking on one of the best cruiserweights ever. He deserves a lot more respect.

Tony Bellew, like him or love him is one of the top British P4P fighters of the last decade.

 

Boxrec already have this listed for Nov 10th

 

I totally agree with you about Tony's career and no doubt he is a talented boxer but the reason he is disliked is because of what comes out of his mouth. Humility and sincerity go a long way in sport.

I would only consider him in my top 10 British P4P of the last decade if he were to beat Usyk.

 

Compared to proper talented fighters, he is mediocre.

David Haye is completely shot, not even half the fighter he once was. Bellew beat that version of Haye at heavyweight, not cruiserweight.
If he somehow pulls off the win against Usyk, I will be the first to admit I was wrong and congratulate the man.

 

I've underestimated Bellew too many times.

But you have to think Usyk is a step too far, he seems to be a prime elite level fighter.

I don't think Bellew would embarrass himself in any way though, I think it stays competetive until the last 3-4 rounds where Usyk pulls away.

 

I don't think the fight at HW is going to necessarily be of benefit to Bellew. Usyk has fought and beat bigger, better men in the AM's already. I know that doesn't translate directly into the pro game but the WSB is as close as it really gets.

As for Bellew's 'talent', I think in terms of actual boxing skill he is pretty mediocre. His best win is the Makabu win, no doubt in my mind. And it's a good win. But he got that win through having good power, not technical boxing. His is your classic overachiever in terms of talent and as we know talent isn't the be all and end all.

My fear for him with an Usyk fight is his vulnerability to the straight left from the southpaw stance. And the fact that Usyk would be the best fighter he has ever faced, hands down. I find it impossible to make a case outside of puncher's chance and even that is diminished a little by that fact Usyk has a chin. I think the only time he's been down is from a Beterbiev body shot, which I think we can agree is quite forgivable...