Is Oleksandr Usyk objectively the best heavyweight ever ? (Boxing Evolution Theory)

I am a big fan of Usyk. I believe he is an ATG. But, I cannot place him as an ATG heavyweight. He hasn't fought enough at HW to get that moniker. Using hypothetical matchups and comparing the sizes of older fighters to fighters of today, saying he beat bigger guys than the old ATG's isn't enough for me. Inside the ring, in a sanctioned boxing match is the only proving ground ATG status should be gauged.

 

Oh dear lord.

 

Can I ask why you point out the boxing is evolved theory when most people are against it and the opposite narrative is so much more common?

 

I think Usyk could hang with any heavyweight in history. But being honest now, his resume at heavy is kinda short for such superlatives. I like a fighter to have longevity against many different boxers and styles before glazing him.

 

Lennox Lewis a "lesser" athlete than Tyson Fury? Hmmm...

 

I wouldn’t doubt it. I don’t see why he couldn’t beat everyone Ali or Louis beat.

 

100% agree.

 

Fact is that, he didn't beat the same guys Ali and Louis did. Do I believe Usyk could hang in any era of the HW division, not just yes, but hell yes. The man is a phenom. Just not enough ass whoopin at HW.

 

People might disagree, but I genuinely believe Oleksandr Usyk is one of the most skilled heavyweights the sport has ever seen. He’s a complete fighter with virtually no weaknesses-comfortable fighting on both the front foot and the back foot, and able to adapt to any situation in the ring.

Usyk has proven himself against all types of opponents: he dominated smaller heavyweights during his incredible cruiserweight run, and then moved up to outclass the modern super-heavyweights in today’s division. His technical ability, ring IQ, and footwork are second to none, and he’s shown time and again that he can handle both the speed and power of much bigger men.

What really sets Usyk apart is his versatility and consistency. He’s demonstrated elite stamina, often finishing fights stronger than he started, which suggests he could easily handle the longer distances of past eras. His chin is proven iron, he’s never been dropped, even while facing opponents far larger than the legends of previous generations.

Simply put, Usyk is a great fighter who would match up well against any all-time great heavyweight. In my opinion, he would be a top contender in any era, and would beat a good number of the legends we talk about today. He’s a true all-time great, and his accomplishments speak for themselves.

 

Nope
I could go into more detail, but nope he is not the best heavyweight ever and no sane analyst, boxing historian will ever put him close to the top. He's just not done enough by beating the same 3 guys on repeat, one who was crushed by a little fat Mexican and the other, who is a fat former cocaine addict, who had 3 years out of the ring and arguably lost to an mma debutant

 

At heavyweight probably not as he hasn't had enough fights and moved up to the division at 32 years old. But his legacy is also based on his work at cruiserweight and surprisingly in recent times some would say even his amateur achievements.

 

No.

 

He has his place in the pantheon. I think that is fair enough.

Head to head is all speculative, and although I speculate that he is a long night for anyone, greatness is determined by achievement. His achievements are comparable to the best, although it is indeed a hybrid career like Charles, Tunney, Fitzsimmons, Spinks, and to a lesser degree, Holyfield. Conversely, because he is 6'3" and fights at over 220 at heavy, he is not comfortably labelled "pound for pound" either.

Great, great fighter.