There's a big size difference between Matthews/Lastarza and Usyk/Gassiev. Matthews was little more than a light-heavy, and it's difficult to see what a good but not overwhelmingly great fighter of that size can do with a highly skilled 215-220lbs stylist like Usyk. He'd give up a lot of height and reach to Usyk, and wouldn't be able to hurt him. I don't think it's a complete mismatch, but Usyk would probably break him down by the mid rounds. Lastarza was a bit bigger than Matthews, but again it's hard to see anyone that size who wasn't at least borderline great beating Usyk. Lastarza was durable and would probably put up a good effort, but lose a clear points decision. We'll know more about Gassiev's level after the final, but he would again probably be too big for Matthews and Lastarza. If the fight was open-weight rather than at 200lbs, the size difference would probably be even greater as Gassiev has the kind of frame that could handle 230 if he wasn't boiling down to a weight limit. I think he walks through Matthews, but Lastarza makes a proper fight of it and is stopped late.
I like your style but I would regard Usyk and Gassiev 215lb heavyweights. I think Gassiev and Usyk beat both by the way.
Yes that’s what they call the 210lb heavyweights now. I remember before 24 hour weigh ins cruisers were 185-190lb in the ring.
