Oleksandr Gvozdyk's game plan

I'm more surprised HOW Gvozdyk beat Stevenson.

I saw a tale of 2 fights, first 6 rounds Gvozdyk seemed hesitant to commit but lots of movement (constant in/out and changing position). But from round 7 he really committed to his offense with lead right hand, throwing it over and over. He covered up well and never spent an extended period in front of Stevenson's power. Adonis was head hunting and never made an adjustment to the long lead right hand of Gvozdyk. Gvozdyk was in great condition, his movement takes so much energy and in the late 9, 10, 11 rounds he effortlessly upped his workrate. No real body punches or inside work to speak of. I always thought the person to beat Adonis would walk him down and be more relaxed. But in this case it was a counterpuncher with a solid chin who could take Adonis's left hand, with an upright European style with no real dominating jab (flick jab, right hand, left hook, all from mid distance that was all). It just shows you what a tight guard with footwork and a belief in your game plan can do. I don't want to undersell Gvozdyk, he's a bronze medallist so of course he's a beast coming in but he had only 16 pro fights.

 

Thank you. Clear robbery. It was good to see the commentators thought so and weren't afraid to express that.

If I had seen this fight before the Stevenson matchup I would have said, awesome amateur style, but more importantly can he maintain that footwork and pressure over the pro 12 round distance? and can he handle Stevenson's power? The answer now is a clear YES to both of those questions. So impressive what he did.

He has added some more tools but essentially much of his amateur style remains. His footwork is relentless, the in/out positioning, reminds me on a young Manny who would do that and flurry but for Gvozdyk this is how he operates for the whole 3 minutes, even off a single jab. Even if he misses the small in/out spring footwork to reset and confuse the opponent as to his real distance. Most big guys above 147 can't maintain that traction without tiring out their calves. I also see one small element of Carl Froch who would at times charge forward upright throwing straight punches (its dangerous to do as you are right in the pocket to be hit coming in, but unlike Froch, Gvozdyk has the hand speed and wont finish in the clinch or falling in, he springs back out on his toes. I can't think of any similar pro styles except Usyk and Loma.

Adonis did clock him in the 10th but he came back very strong. And just like in that Olympic fight, no real authoritarian jab, body punches aren't utilised much, although very busy with flash lead hands, distractive punches to close the distance, or block the opponents view but it's the real damage is from that straight right.

 

Btw how many amateur fights did Gvozdyk have? He looks so polished.