Joe Frazier vs CW Usyk

50/50 slightly favor Usyk due to being more multi-faceted but Frazier might stop him with a bodyshot

 

Tough one to call at 200 lbs Usyk is clearly better than Quarry Bonavena Chuvalo Ellis but probably not quite the 215/220 lbs early 70s Ali. Frazier has a good style to battle him that swarming nonstop pressure that tends to negate superior boxing skills. Still Usyk is so well conditioned smart skilled and determined that I think he finds a way to win a close decision.

 

I’m gonna favour Usyk, but Frazier is dangerous here, but I believe the southpaw stance especially, as well as having brilliant footwork will allow him to see the left hook coming, although Frazier may have some success with that left to the body when he corners Usyk.

 

Frazier beats him from pillar to post. I think the result remains the same at any weight, but HW Usyk would provide a bigger challenge due to him being bigger, harder hitting and more aggressive. CW Usyk just gets the dog snot beaten out of him.

He doesn't have Ali's lightning fast stinging jab, which was Frazier's main issue in the first few rounds in FOTC before he started timing it and dominating the fight. Those arm punch flurries that Usyk used to keep guys away will mean absolutely nothing to Frazier. He actually moved his head instead of plodding forward with his hands high in hopes Usyk stops throwing punches.

Even if he does actually sit down with his shots and tries to hurt Joe (ala Huck), it's far from fight altering. Frazier will just keep on coming, and nobody at HW actually has the feet to keep away from Frazier all night long. Absolutely nobody. You're either a naturally way bigger and incredible heavy hitter like Foreman or Lewis, or you suffer. Southpaw angles mean nothing when you're on the ropes or in the corner and getting your body pounded.

 

Frazier is going to have hell dealing with Usyk's footwork, speed and length.

 

Yes I agree Frazier would batter him all over the ring. Frazier by KO

 

I think it would definitely be a more competitive fight than at heavyweight. At HW, Usyk had added enough strength and power to keep Frazier honest and likely stop him late. At cruiserweight, though, while Usyk was faster, I think power is more important when dealing with someone like Frazier.

That said, Usyk still has the movement and foot speed to prevent Frazier from consistently cutting off the ring or trapping him for long stretches. He also has the size and strength to avoid being bullied on the inside.

As for power, I’ve never rated Frazier’s punching power as elite in a historical sense. He had enough to trouble lighter heavyweights, but I don’t think he’d carry the kind of power needed to seriously hurt someone like Usyk, even if he lands clean. Usyk’s defense and high guard would make it difficult for Frazier to land anything sustained, even along the ropes, and certainly not enough to slow him down over the long haul.

Unlike Ali, Usyk keeps his hands up, which directly limits Frazier’s best weapon, his left hook, especially at mid-to-long range. That ties into Frazier’s biggest issue here: his lack of a consistent right hand at range. While he had a solid right to the body, which is useful against a southpaw, he rarely used it effectively at distance.

We’ve seen fighters like Ali and Jimmy Ellis give Frazier trouble when they could control range and box, and Usyk doesn’t share their shortcomings. He has more power than Ellis, and his gas tank allows him to maintain a high pace for 12 rounds, potentially even 15 if needed. At the same time, he doesn’t have Ali’s defensive lapses against the left hook or the tendency to back into the ropes under pressure.

Overall, I’d take Usyk by a competitive but clear decision.

 

I can only imagine how exciting it would be to be a boxing fan these days if Usyk were actually as good as some posters seem to think he is. (And, this is coming from a Usyk fan). As it stands, I think Frazier wears Usyk down for a clear decision or late TKO.

 

It is very exciting to be a boxing fan these days. And Usyk is one of the reasons.

 

Frazier

 

A couple things to consider.
First, Frazier was actually very good at cutting the ring. Usyk doesn't want to be moving to his own left against Frazier, and I will explain why in a moment, so he needs to be stepping to his right, trying to get around Frazier. Second, as we all know Frazier was relentless in throwing his left hook. That will either keep Usyk in front of Frazier- because, by moving to his right, Usyk is moving into the hook- or it will force Usyk to move wider to his right which will likely take him out of punching range. Frazier would roll low and track with Usyk's movement and be right back in front of him again.
If Usyk moves to his own left, he has to move enough. Otherwise, Frazier will counter Usyk's left with his hook; that is a natural counter and if I know that Eddie Futch did, too, and he would be drilling Frazier on it. Usyk would need to make a serious turn to his left, away from the Frazier hook, so that he gets outside of Frazier's right shoulder. From that spot he can let his hands go and Frazier would have to make 2 or 3 moves, under fire, to get back in position.

 

Usyk isn't gonna be moving too well after Frazier digs to the body, if he doesn't just end the fight with a body shot

It might be the second worst beating Frazier dishes out, not quite as bad as Foster

 

if Usyk goes crying after a hit on the belt almost twice. I see Joe having a field day.

 

I always feel that Usyk's style gives him better chances to look good against larger heavyweights. Frazier was only big where it counts. Ladies...