If it’s each fighter on their very best night, Lewis knocks him out. I’d agree however, that on a less stellar night he’s a handful for Lewis, with Lennox winning on a close card.
Lennox takes Usyk apart he is simply so much better than Joshua and Usyk was struggling a few times in the rematch .
Lennox would have smothered him in clinches and leaned all over him utilizing his greater weight to wear him down. Usyk would have to stay at a distance all fight to avoid that, which might be possible, but Lennox was a very dangerous puncher too, with an accurate jab, good fighting at range and a high ring IQ, so it'd be a difficult task to keep him at bay for the 12 rounds. On balance I think I favour Lennox, but Usyk would likely always be the busier of the two fighters so if he could avoid Lennox's power-punches and stay away from clinches then it would definitely be possible for him to win on points.
This! And add to that I don’t think lewis ever fought someone as slick and skilled as Usyk. And people trying to claim Usyk’s power wouldn’t bother Lewis… we aren’t talking about an iron chin here. Lol Usyk’s sneaky straight left could bother Lewis.
Honestly, Lewis even couldn't KO vegan Mavrovic who was 500 pounds lighter, so why he would KO Usyk. 2006 Lewis stated, that the fight against Mavrovic in 1998 was one of his toughest and Mavrovic wasn't world class. He still won 3 (some say 4) rounds against him. Its easy to imagine that Usyk would have good chances of beating Lewis.
Yes... maybe you should watch that fight? Nasty of you to mention this since Zeljko's life literally crumbled after that fight.
The White Rabbit plays with Lewis like a cat plays with a mouse. Usyk is too fast and agile, on the other hand Lewis is slow and clunky. Lewis won't land on Usyk. Usyk uses Lewis as a punching bag all night, a frustrated Lewis loses his control and discipline, eventually gets exhausted and gets KTFOed in round 11 or 12.
I don't think this would be one sided on either end. I've always thought that the best style to consistently beat Lewis would be a great mover using their speed to outbox him. guys like Ali and Holmes come to mind. Usyk could fit into this category I think. He's also a southpaw, and Lewis never fought the two best southpaws of his era in Moorer and Byrd. With that being said, I think Lewis was skilled enough to take a rounds off of Usyk in a pure boxing contest, and unlike Joshua it wouldn't take him a 12 round loss to realise that he needs to put pressure on him to win decisively. Ill take Lewis by a split decision (maybe late TKO, still want to see how durable Usyk is at heavy) in a great fight.
I'd like to see Usyk against more than 1 top ten heavyweight before making any kind of definitive decision, but as of today I'd have to pick Lewis
Same goes both ways, Usyk never fought any boxer who is as good as Lewis is either. Lewis could dispatch Joshua or Chisora in a few rounds. And i gotta say it as someone who hates Lewis. If Usyk can beat Fury convincingly, then he might have a shot at Lewis but a motivated prime Lewis beats Usyk.