It's hard to think of many HW boxers in history that have more pure skill than Usyk?

"Pure skills"? Whatever that is, there's a serious number of boxers with "dirty skills" that would win over him. Usyk is fast and plays it great with being a southpaw, but that's it. I don't get the purpose of that Usyk fan story everywhere where one talks about boxing - it's worse than teen girls' love for the boy bands.

 

I agree. People can get bogged down in the idea that text book is the only way or the best way. But reality is some of the greatest fighters of all time were not text book. Ali being a prime example. Even some fighters like Hagler someone who is regarded as text book by most did things that were unorthodox like his gazelle jab. What's most effective for a certain fighter is not always text book, because all fighters are different and when you have an outrageous talent like Ali he is capable of doing things other boxers cannot get away with and so utilises unorthodox methods to become more effective.

 

I support that: many of the greatest fighters were the ones with an unorthodox approach to boxing, sometimes even against anything that's physically right for others.

 

You are right; I was mistaken that you compared him to Ali, sorry man!

 

Usyk might be the most skilled heavyweight of all time. Doesn't make him the greatest, but boxing skill-wise, he's gonna be at or near the top of the list.

And knock it off with the "Prime Tyson" comparisons. Mike was fighting guys like me. Of course he's going to look like a prodigy. Prime Mike beat a terrified, inactive Michael Spinks, an old, inactive Larry Holmes and struggled to beat Ruddock twice. Other than that, he beat no one who would be top ten in any other era with the exception of maybe Tony Tucker.

 

Hard for me to think of a Heavie that had more skill than Charles. He was a complete fighter. I like Usyk but like alot of eastern euros his inside game is completely lacking

 

Usyk is an exceptional boxer who always knows where he is in relation to his opponent. Great footwork, handspeed, decent pop and a solid chin. I hope he fights Fury though, to round out his legacy.

 

Tyson did not struggle against Ruddock. Neither fight was close. Ruddock had some competitive rounds but Mike knocked him down so much, there is no way you can define it as a struggle.

Usyk beat Joshua both times but if Tyson "struggled" vs Ruddock, then Usyk "struggled" even more vs Joshua.

Tucker, Ruddock, Frank Bruno, and Pinklon Thomas would be top 10 contenders in any era.

 

And even the old skool fighters like Charles, Walcott, would be classed as Light Heavyweights now. Which is why it's even more impressive for Usyk, considering hes 220+ pounds with the skills he displays.