Oleksandr Usyk: A Cold Wind Blows From The East-Usyk The Barbarian Will Crush All

That's surprising.

I fancy Uysk on points but you're right I do rate Gassiev very highly too. Usyk has the skills and class to out box Gassiev but he's been holding his feet a lot more since he parted ways with Bashir and he has a tendency to let his machismo get the better of him sometimes, obviously it wouldn't be a good idea for him to do that too much in this fight, because as tough and talented as he is, Gassiev could drop a statue with that left hook of his.

 

Usyk vs Gassiev: experts' poll


Ahead of the eagerly awaited World Boxing Super Series final between Oleksandr Uysk and Murat Gassiev on 21 July in Moscow, 18 figures from the world of boxing make their big-fight predictions...

I’m going for Usyk on points. I think Gassiev is very good but as good as he is I think he is one dimensional, whereas in my opinion Usyk, who is always in top physical condition, has a better boxing brain and is technically better than Gassiev. - Matty Askin, British cruiserweight champion (23-3-1)

Both undefeated, Usyk is the smarter boxer who likes to pick his shots, he has a good defence and really lets his hands go when he sees the opening, whereas Gassiev is a more come-forward guy throwing big compact knockout punches with his heavy hands. If it goes to points I’m picking Usyk in a split decision but I wouldn’t be surprised if Gassiev drops Usyk as he has done quite well with recent southpaws and has a decent right hand. – Dan Azeez, light heavyweight (4-0)

Usyk vs Gassiev is not a fight the world will be talking about - let's be honest they ain't no Pacman or Mayweather - but it’s a fight that's guaranteed to have everyone on the edge of their seat. They are both real fighters in my opinion who just want to be in a real fight. May the best man win. Both undefeated. Both bangers. Both tough. Prediction? War! – Ronnie Clark, super-featherweight (21-4-2)

I have loved Gassiev throughout this competition, he’s been an absolute beast. I do feel that Usyk’s movement will cause him major problems, but still I’m going for a late Gassiev stoppage! – Michael Conlan, former amateur world champion, Olympic bronze medallist, featherweight (8-0)

I love the style of Usyk. His work rate and heart can bring him through any test. I’m sticking with him all the way. – Jazza Dickens, former British super bantamweight champion (23-3)

I would say that Gassiev is the stronger, come forward fighter, while Usyk is a more skilful boxer-puncher. I think Usyk wins on points… Or Gassiev by TKO! – Isaac Dogboe, WBO super bantamweight champion (19-0)

While Usyk has the Olympic Gold medal pedigree, I slightly favour the younger Gassiev who, at 24, has grown into a seasoned pro over the last seven years. Experience and youth are everything – Gassiev by close but unanimous decision. - Mark H. Dunlop, promoter

I think Usyk is one of the most technically gifted cruiserweights you’re ever going to come across. Although Gassiev holds big power I think Usyk breaks him down late on for a wide points or late stoppage win. - Sunny Edwards, super flyweight (8-0)

I really like Usyk, he’s a great boxer. I’ve not seen much of the other guy, but he will need to be very special to beat Usyk. - Peter Fury, trainer

It’s a fight I'm looking forward to very much. I slightly favour Usyk. 1. Because I'm a big fan and 2. I just think he’ll have the tools to outpoint Gassiev. Very good fight! – Callum Johnson, British and Commonwealth light heavyweight champion (17-0)

I’m going for Usyk purely on skill. He’ll be able to outbox Gassiev. – Chris Kongo, welterweight (9-0)

A genuine 50/50 fight but Usyk to win in a tough fight – he might have to survive some shaky moments though. - Enzo Maccarinelli, former British, European and WBO cruiserweight champion (41-8)

I like Gassiev in this fight. He’s a tough aggressive fighter. He’s a rough ‘un, not your classic fighter. Usyk has an awkward style but I don't think he quite has the punching power to trouble Gassiev or the willpower that Gassiev has. I'm going with a stoppage for Gassiev in round eight or nine. With the two boxers’ styles and aggression it’s going to be a hell of a fight. – Clinton McKenzie, former British and European light welterweight champion (36-14)

Usyk will make Gassiev work at the pace he wants, by being constantly in range and pressuring with the front foot. He’ll take some licks along the way, but his engine will win him a close decision. To be honest, though, that is one of the hardest questions to answer because you could say the same for Gassiev! What a fight! - David Price, former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion

This looks like a fantastic fight. Usyk looks more ferocious and will look to take charge of the fight from early so it will be interesting to see who dictates the pace. Gassiev is a better technician and a cleaner puncher, they are both powerful punchers but I'm putting my money on Gassiev, even though Usyk has fought better opposition. - Mark Prince, retired light heavyweight and former WBO title challenger (23-1)

I think Usyk wins this one on points. It’s going to be a great fight. Can’t wait for it! – Hannah Rankin, super welter / middleweight (5-1)

I am leaning towards a points victory for Usyk as he is more agile on his feet and has a high work rate, but he also has to be wary of Gassiev’s body shot combinations as that can potentially take a toll on Usyk’s legs and draw him into a toe to toe fight. I believe that wouldn’t be a good move for Usyk, nonetheless I am very excited for this contest - may the best man win! - Richard Riakporhe, cruiserweight (6-0)

I can’t wait for this fight: two elite fighters, which is what boxing should be all about. It’s hard to pick a winner but if I have to I would say Gassiev by late TKO. I think early on it will be all Usyk but I think Gassiev has the style and the skills to get to him later on. -Darren Tetley, welterweight (16-0)

Final tally: Usyk 11 Gassiev 5, no preference 2

 

The making of Oleksandr Usyk vs Murat Gassiev

The fights that brought us to the Oleksandr Usyk vs Murat Gassiev World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight final

Quarter-final: Oleksandr Usyk vs Marco Huck, September 9 2017, in Berlin, Germany

Oleksandr Usyk, cheered on by a raucous travelling support, showed us just why he’s been installed as the favourite to win the cruiserweight version of the World Boxing Super Series with a one-sided mauling of Berlin’s Marco Huck in the tournament’s first quarter-final.


An argument can be made for giving Huck the opening round, but once Usyk, who was also defending his WBO title, found his feet the difference in class was there for all to see.

While Huck attempted to land single shots, Usyk bamboozled him with southpaw combinations from all angles. The Ukrainian would step out of range to avoid Huck’s shots, and then fire back immediately with his own, often forcing Huck to the ropes where he would unload with vicious volleys.

Referee Robert Byrd deducted a point from Huck in the eighth round for hitting Usyk after he had tripped.


Defiant to the bitter end, Huck fought back bravely whenever Usyk appeared to be on the verge of overwhelming him, but by the 10th round he was left covering up desperately as Usyk launched another attack. Byrd stepped in to rescue Huck, with pride still intact although thoroughly beaten, at 2-08.

Quarter-final: Murat Gassiev vs Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, October 21 2017, in Newark, USA

AND then there were four. Before a small but enthusiastic crowd at the Prudential Center, Russia’s Murat Gassiev retained his IBF cruiserweight title with a third-round knockout of former world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. But more importantly, the unbeaten 24-year-old Abel Sanchez protégé filled the last spot in the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament, setting up an early 2018 meeting with WBA secondary title-holder Yunier Dorticos, who provided more drama than the main event when he entered the ring following the bout to issue a warning to Gassiev.

“I really wanted Gassiev to win, because he’s going to taste the power of a real man against me,” the Cuban, who defeated Dmitry Kudryashov last month for his place in the semis, said. “His opponent tonight was past his time, I’m ready to show him what a champion looks like and give him a challenge he’s never faced before.”

For his part, Gassiev was poker-faced and respectful towards his future rival, saying, “Dorticos is a very good fighter with great experience. He’s undefeated and I can’t wait to give all the boxing fans the gift of a great fight against Dorticos.”

They didn’t get that gift in Newark, but a great knockout was satisfying enough, as Gassiev steadily stalked the defence-minded Warsaw native for two rounds before lowering the boom in the third frame with a beautiful left uppercut to the jaw followed by an equally crushing left hook to the body. Wlodarczyk collapsed to the canvas upon impact, with referee Earl Brown tolling the 10-count that ended the bout at 1-57 of round three.

“It’s something we work on a lot,” Sanchez said. “I know that when Gassiev lands a punch correctly, the opponent isn’t getting up.”

It was a Gennady Golovkin-esque finish, and now Gassiev continues his quest for unification, with the winner of his next bout facing the victor of the other semi-final between WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk and WBC belt-holder Mairis Briedis.


Semi-final: Oleksandr Usyk vs Mairis Briedis, January 27 2018, in Riga, Latvia

OLEKSANDR USYK’S victory over Mairis Briedis had everything a sane-minded boxing fan could possibly want from one 12-round bout. Excitement. Bravery. Two supreme, well-matched skillsets. World titles unified. Faultless judging and, in turn, perfect delivery from the ring announcer of the majority decision in Usyk’s favour.

Best of all, perhaps, was the promise of even better things to come.

The World Boxing Super Series always seemed like a good idea (essentially bringing eight of the best fighters together and forcing them to fight each other until one winner remained), and two unbeaten cruiserweight champions being matched together in the first semi-final underlined that promise. It’s safe to say the bout that followed exceeded all expectation.

The most common pre-fight opinion was that Usyk, a big favourite despite being the outsider in Riga where Briedis is something of a superstar, would weather an early storm before cruising to victory down the stretch. To an extent, those forecasts were true, but Briedis’ efforts – from the opening bell to the last – meant that Usyk, despite appearing to be having the time of his life, never came close to merely cruising. In reality, the highly gifted 2012 Olympic heavyweight champion had to endure the most torrid 36 minutes of his boxing career to retain his unbeaten record, his WBO strap and snatch Briedis’ WBC title in the process.

Inside a full to capacity Arena Riga, the Latvian hero started quickly, pressing the action and finding the space to regularly clump Usyk with his left-right in the opening session. The underdog, even better than his gleaming 23-0 record suggested, rarely had trouble hitting the Ukrainian at all, in fact.

But Usyk, perhaps out-punched early on, was never in danger and showed an exceptionally hardy chin. Furthermore, the pleasure Usyk appeared to get from being tagged exhibited his maniacal tendencies in detail – the mad glint in his eyes, the wild Bond villain grin – while also showing off what just might be his most impressive asset.

You see, Usyk wasn’t necessarily asking to be hit, but his guile at zipping into position and placing himself slap bang in the middle of his opponent’s target zone left Briedis with little choice but to take chance after chance. In turn, Usyk took advantage of every little mistake his rival made, however miniscule they might have been. By the sixth, the favourite was landing more, and his southpaw left was tagging Briedis as he attempted to launch his own attacks.

Both fighters went up a gear in the second half of the showdown. Usyk had success with that trailing left off his excellent jab, but the underdog, sporting an incredible engine, would not be dominated as he landed uppercuts and hooks to the delight of his fans. It was close, yet Usyk, who by now seemed to have his rival figured out, had the air of a man in control.

He started the 11th round urgently. Decorating his bread and butter one-twos with eye-catching volleys downstairs, Usyk was relentless. But Briedis, whose stock will rise significantly in defeat, closed the session with a huge right that forced his rival to briefly seek shelter on the ropes. The 12th was a fitting final course to the Sauerland-promoted barnburner, as both rallied urgently with only victory in mind. At the end of 12 fast-paced, and completely engrossing rounds, the combatants celebrated, embraced and examined the bruises which will provide brief souvenirs from an unforgettable bout.

Boxing News scored the contest 115-113 in Usyk’s favour, or seven-five in rounds. It was a tight one alright, and the wait for the decision to be revealed was edgy, as the two fighters stood in ring centre, pre-empting the verdict, their arms ready for take-off. Announcer Dave Diamante suspended that tension perfectly as he read out Craig Metcalfe’s completely feasible 114-114 tally, before two scores of 115-113 (Robin Taylor and Robert Tapper) “for the winner, and still unbeaten, and now the WBC and WBO cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk” provided a wholly satisfying bottom line.

 

Semi-final: Murat Gassiev vs Yunier Dorticos, February 3 2018, in Adler, Russia

Watching Murat Gassiev leave his seat at the post-fight press conference to console a distraught Yunier Dorticos, tears running down his face, was a reminder of the special nature of the World Boxing Super Series and the importance of it. You appreciated what it meant to the competitors. You told yourself this is what boxing should be; this is how boxers should behave.

Gassiev, after all, had just spent the best part of 12 rounds trying to methodically destroy the man he now hugged, eventually completing the job with eight seconds left in the 12th. He’d knocked him down three times; outlasted him. He’d disfigured his face and broken his heart. Crucially, he took both his undefeated record and his WBA cruiserweight title (ex-belt-holder Denis Lebedev is now ‘champion in recess’).

As a result, Gassiev, now the IBF and WBA titlist, advanced to the final of the cruiserweight tournament and will meet Ukraine’s WBC and WBO title-holder Oleksandr Usyk. Dorticos, meanwhile, was left to lick his wounds inside the Bolshoy Ice Dome and comprehend what it is to fall short. His tears, both in the ring and at the press conference, revealed how much it meant to him – this defeat, this elimination – and also poignantly summarised the ups and downs of a thrilling contest that covered the full gamut of emotions.

Gassiev and Dorticos, challenged by the epic nature of the other semi-final, the January 27 classic between Usyk and Mairis Briedis, wanted more than to just make it to the final. They wanted to get there in a blaze of glory. They wanted to impress and excite and they wanted to encourage experts high on Usyk to suddenly question this faith and start hedging their bets. Going in, this wasn’t just a fight. It was a showcase.

Dorticos, the man with the pump-action jab and enough power to disconnect Dmitry Kudryashov from his senses in September, started on the front foot, winning the first round, and outworked Gassiev in the early going. Confident and composed, he was allowed to settle and dictate the pace while Gassiev, somewhat out of character, appeared content to box on the back foot and look for his spots only when given the chance to set his feet. When this happened, when Gassiev pulled the trigger, his punches were the more eye-catching, especially those directed at Dorticos’ body, yet still it was strange to see Gassiev, a mauler with 18 knockouts from 25 pro wins, essentially try and outbox his opponent.

Dorticos, however, with 21 knockouts from 22 wins, is a man best handled with care and Gassiev’s careful approach was, in hindsight, a testament to the Cuban’s punch power. It was intelligent, strategic. It offered Gassiev the chance to take the sting out of Dorticos’ shots, feel them on his arms, shoulders and body, and then grow into the bout as the rounds progressed.

By the fifth, a round in which Gassiev hurt Dorticos for the first time, the Russian had well and truly come out of his shell and was matching his opponent punch for punch. A good thing, too, because the variety from both men was something to behold; Dorticos’ jab was impressive, as it often is, but, equally, Gassiev’s hooks and uppercuts inside were textbook and terrifying.

It was competitive throughout, the exchanges tit-for-tat, yet Gassiev, having let Dorticos use a lot of his best stuff early, came on strong in the second half and swept most of the rounds. He outlanded Dorticos almost 2-1 in power punches heading into the 12th (119 to 66), and the more desperate Dorticos became, the more opportunity Gassiev had to find the fight-ending shot he’d anticipated but so far been unable to execute.

Breakthrough for the Russian arrived in the final round. With both tiring, their form now sloppy, Gassiev cracked Dorticos with a chopping right before a huge left hook connected on his chin and sent him falling to the canvas in dramatic and devastating fashion. It looked, for all intents and purposes, a finisher. But Dorticos, in keeping with his personality and performance, somehow made it to his feet and resumed on unsteady legs.

Alas, a second knockdown inevitably followed and then came a third, registered as Dorticos gallantly fired back along the ropes, which put the Cuban out of the ring – only his calves, ankles and feet dangled over the bottom rope – and forced Eddie Claudio, the referee, to call a halt to the carnage with eight seconds left to run.

 

Oleksandr Usyk unafraid to fight Murat Gassiev in Russia

‘I get up at 4.50 am every morning and set myself on fire. To rebuild, you have to burn yourself.’ Oleksandr Usyk on how he is preparing for Murat Gassiev and the World Boxing Super Series final

UKRAINE’S WBO and WBC cruiserweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk, is looking forward to the historic Ali Trophy final against Murat Gassiev on July 21 in Moscow, Russia.

31-year-old Usyk (14-0-11, KOs), gold medallist at the 2012 London Olympics, has prepared for the final at the Olympic Village in Kiev.


“Is it a perfect gym. I spent a lot of time there before the Olympics. I have lived and trained there for many years. It is a base where it smells like sports spirit. It smells like work,” he said.

How are you feeling with the big final approaching?

“I’m fine. I have a family, I have close friends, I have a great job. What else can a person dream of? I feel great!”


How do you remember your semi-final victory over Mairis Briedis?

“I don’t live in the past. I try to move forward. My victory over Mairis happened on the 27th of January. Of course, I have good memories, I got another belt and reached the final, but now we have a new stage.”

You were watching Murat’s semi-final against Yunier Dorticos live in Sochi. What was your impression?

“The fight was perfect, two great guys who found out who is the strongest.”

What kind of fighter is Murat?

“You can watch on YouTube … I will only say this: he is a strong guy. And now, thank God, Murat and I will fight for the Muhammad Ali Trophy and the ‘absolute world champion’ title.

How would you characterize the training camp?

“I get up at 4.50 a.m. every morning and set myself on fire. To rebuild, you have to burn yourself, so I have been burning! I enjoy the hard training, I love the pressure, can you believe it? Maybe I am a little bit crazy.”

How have you been sparring?

“We tried to find someone who has the same style as Murat. It is important. When they do the same work as Murat does, it will help me to train the particular combinations to use against him.”

What is the most important in your training?

“Discipline. One of the most important components a fighter needs in order to achieve the highest success is discipline. Discipline beats everything.”

How is it for you to fight in Russia?

“Do I look like I am afraid to fight anywhere? I feel excellent about it. I am an athlete, a warrior. I do not care where I fight, I just want to fight.”


How about your fans …?

“I know there will be support coming in from Ukraine which is great.“

How is the mood in the team before going to Moscow?

“I am ready, my team is ready. We are all going to Moscow in good mood.”

What can the fight fans all over the world expect from the final?

“When the strong guys meet, the fights are interesting! This is what is so great about this tournament. It is necessary for the sport. I have said it before and I will say it again: the fans should expect a beautiful final!”

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The Big Question: Usyk vs Gassiev - who wins?

Oleksandr Usyk and Murat Gassiev do battle on Saturday night in an eagerly awaited World Boxing Super Series final in Moscow with total supremacy of the cruiserweight division at stake. The BM team are here with their picks and predictions...

Usyk vs Gassiev seems like an even bigger event now that we have been made to wait for certain details to be confirmed. This fight should be a cracker. Indeed, based on the duo's performances in the tournament so far it could even be a Fight of the Year contender. I've backed Usyk from the very beginning of the World Boxing Super Series, thinking he'd simply be too good for everyone else. But Gassiev is an absolute wrecking ball, with impressive boxing skills too. If Usyk doesn't keep on his toes for 12 rounds he could easily be taken out! Despite the fight being held in Russia though, I'm still sticking with my original pick (for now), which is Usyk to win via split decision. I can't wait! - Lee Gormley

This is a genuine champion vs champion unification fight, which is brilliant. I keep having a sneaking suspicion that Gassiev could upset the odds, especially after the semi-finals, but I'm still going with Usyk to take a very tight, debatable and close points decision. I think his amateur pedigree, plus the fact that he's a few years older - so has less time to 'rebuild and come back again' - will mean that he wants it that tiny bit more; and these two attributes will see him through to victory. - Colin Harris

This showdown has all the makings of a classic. Two undefeated, elite level boxers who can punch. And, to top it off, it’ll unify the cruiserweight division. I like Gassiev, but I am a huge fan of Usyk. He certainly belongs in the pound-for-pound conversation for me and at the top end, if he wins this fight. I love his footwork, his jab, and his patience. I think it’ll be a brutal, tight affair with both fighters splitting rounds early doors. As with the Mairis Briedis fight, however, I think Usyk will just have that bit more polish and fluidity which will help him pull away in the championship rounds. - James Oddy

I'm pretty hacked off that this bout has been put on PPV but that's a subject for another day. In terms of the fight itself I favour Usyk via decision, but can he get the nod in Russia? I was quite unsold on Gassiev after the Denis Lebedev fight but he showed more sides to his game against Yunier Dorticos. However, possibly naively given the location, I still favour the Ukrainian's extra speed and boxing fundamentals to be the difference between the men. - Marcus Bellinger

Gassiev was mightily impressive against Dorticos and will certainly make Usyk work hard. Any lapses in concentration could prove costly. However, he won't test the Ukrainian in the way that Briedis did (I thought the Latvian at least deserved a draw). Styles make fights and I just think Gassiev will get picked off at will by the wily former world and Olympic gold medallist. A unanimous points win for Usyk. - Luca Rosi

It’s impossible to overstate just how perfect this match-up is. Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s epic fifteen rounder versus Evander Holyfield has its own special retrospective shine as the first title win of an all-time great, but Usyk vs Gassiev is easily the most significant match in the cruiserweight division’s 39-year history. Two undefeated, unified champions meeting in their prime to crown an undisputed champion... Wow! It’s one of those rare fights where it’s very difficult to imagine either losing given the streak they are on. Paul Zanon and I were lucky enough to be at the Arena Riga in January for Usyk’s semi-final with Mairis Briedis in what was the most deafening atmosphere I’ve ever experienced. Usyk wasn’t at his best that night but was able to dig deep enough and make the adjustments necessary to beat a fine champion in that hostile environment. Gassiev simply oozes Eastern hardness. Watch the way he almost beheaded Jordan Shimmell and then calmly walked to a neutral corner, job finished. The man drinks blood, literally. I picked against Gassiev in a preview of his challenge to Denis Lebedev and haven’t underestimated him since. His patient semi-final bludgeoning of Yunier Dorticos was as thrilling as boxing gets and calm confidence appears unbreakable. Without much confidence I’ll tip a very close Usyk decision in one more brutal war where superior footwork and range of angles to work in proves a narrow differentiator.- Chris Williamson

I believe the boxing brain of Usyk - who I saw defeat Briedis in Latvia in the semi-final - will earn him a close decision. Gassiev is underrated with his sneaky lean backs and feints. His ability to set traps is masterful... and if you step into one of his traps - God help you! However, big Gass lacks the footwork, lateral movement and hand speed of Usyk, which I believe are the qualities which will grind him out the win. - Paul Zanon

This is a fight full of paradoxes. Despite it being the biggest event in the cruiserweight division since forever, it still lacks any US broadcast outlet. Whether that is due to US parochialism or other factors is open to question. We also have the intriguing spectacle of misleading unbeaten records. Gassiev at 26-0 is this not the grizzled veteran but the 24-year-old young gun. Conversely, at just 14-0 the former Olympic Gold medallist in the other corner is actually seven years the older man at 31. Whatever the inconsistencies we have two unbeaten fighters in their prime with all four legitimate world titles on the line. In other words, a proper nowhere to hide full unification match - something that would not have happened without the much needed establishment of the WBSS. That the fighters are equipped with contrasting yet ultimately complementing styles, for the fan at home at least, makes this a match-up for the ages. Picking a winner should be prefixed with the usual cigarette paper, coin toss clichés. However, these are not inappropriate in this instance. Gassiev, fighting in front of his home Moscow crowd has the single punch arsenal to end this one in an instant. But I still favour the boxing brain and knowhow of the Ukrainian to triumph in a hard-fought, granite jawed contest. My money is on Usyk by a narrow decision. - Garry White

I'm stunned that a fight so many are calling '50-50' has resulted in so few tips for Gassiev. Maybe it's the stubborn contrarian in me, but I'm going for Gassiev to upset the odds via a close, possibly controversial, decision. Behind the scenes rumours of disquiet in the Usyk camp with yet again being 'on the road' hint that he and his team are not delighted to be fighting in Moscow, a city that will have a supercharged atmosphere after the World Cup. Usyk has shown before that he isn't intimidated by an 'away' crowd but I thought he looked vulnerable, flawed and hurt at times in his semi-final against Briedis. Gassiev is the younger man and I think his determination and iron chin will carry the day in a cruiser classic that has everyone debating the split scorecards. (Don't discount a draw either, which I've seen offered at odds of anything between 20 and 25-1...) - Luke G. Williams

Final tally: Usyk 8 Gassiev 1

 

10 for Usyk if you include me. That said, Gassiev has been improving a lot from fight to fight whereas Usyk hasn't been performing to his full potential recently IMO, so that evens it up a bit for Gassiev.

 

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RING MAGAZINE

FIGHT PICKS: OLEKSANDR USYK VS. MURAT GASSIEV

An undisputed cruiserweight champion will be crowned on Saturday when WBC/WBO titleholder Oleksandr Usyk meets IBF/WBA counterpart Murat Gassiev in the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament in Moscow. The Ring’s vacant cruiserweight championship will be on the line when the unbeaten dual beltholders meet.

On paper, Usyk-Gassiev looks can’t-miss and appears to have the makings of a potential Fight of the Year. Usyk is a wonderfully gifted boxer, who was an elite amateur, while Gassiev, a brutal puncher, has come into his own and excelled over the past couple of years and has taken the step up in class like a duck to water.

Usyk (14-0, 11 knockouts) is the naturally more skilled fighter. He won gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London before seamlessly transitioning to the professional ranks in 2013, and winning the WBO strap in just his 10th fight. The 31-year-old Ukrainian has since made four successful defenses, including a stoppage of Marco Huck in the former titelholder’s homeland of Germany in the opening round of the WBSS. In the semi-final he edged Mairis Briedis in his home country of Latvia.

Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs) possesses brute strength and excellent power. He turned professional in 2011 after just 25 amateur bouts. His path was less celebrated but he gradually learned the nuances of the sport under the expert stewardship of Abel Sanchez. He broke out in 2016 with a vicious first-round knockout of then unbeaten Jordan Shimmell. Since then the 24-year-old Russian has won the IBF title from grizzled veteran Dennis Lebedev in a terrific fight, wrecked usually durable former two-time beltholder Krzszstof Wlodarczyk in three brisk rounds, and then posted arguably the most impressive performance of the WBSS tournament so far in the semi-final when he showed impressive poise stopping Yunier Dorticos in the final round to add the WBA title to his name.

On-line gambling group bet365.com can’t split either man and list each at 10/11 (-110). Usyk is favored to win on points 6/4 (+150); while Gassiev is favored to win inside the distance 3/1 (+300) with the draw price 20-1 (+2000).


Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING STAFF

MICHAEL WOODS: USYK UD

I want to go to my default and pick experience to win out. Oleksandr Usyk has fought soooo many rounds, and I do think he’s seen attributes like Gassiev’s before and dealt with them. But this Gassiev… after 25 amateur fights, and this amount of pro experience, he’s fighting at THIS level? Might he be more special than Usyk? Might be, might be. But Gassiev will PROVE IT if he downs Usyk… If the power Abel Sanchez says will be the difference-maker speaks loudest, then I will be ALL IN on the Gassiev train. I’m already practically there, my ticket is bought and paid for… but it’s not in the VIP section, up front. But Usyk is ever so clever, and his skill set is well rounded. Experience wins out… I think. But I don’t know, so you bet your butt I’m anticipating seeing how this plays out. Usyk by tight UD.


GARETH A. DAVIES: USYK

Gassiev carries the greater power and more danger all the way to the end of the championship rounds but my sense on this fight is that Usyk will be faster to the punch use his footwork to find angles and ultimately – maybe even after a scare as Gassiev goes for broke – wins on points. It should be a classic. Hope it is … it would be in keeping with this WBSS tournament. Delighted U.S. streaming deal on DAZN for second season. Usyk on points, split or unanimous decision.


LEE GROVES: USYK

Usyk has beaten good fighters on their home turf, not only during the tournament (Marco Huck in Germany, Mairis Briedis in Latvia) but also through his extensive amateur career that ended in Olympic gold. He has the height, reach, work rate and discipline to maintain his game plan, which is to score points while on the move. The tough semifinal win over Briedis should serve as excellent preparation for what he will face in the final, and I believe he will do what he must to nail down the points victory.


TOM GRAY: USYK UD

Despite Gassiev’s proven quality, I’ve always liked Usyk in this matchup. At his best, the Ukrainian has terrific movement, his long game is excellent and he’s tricky out of that southpaw stance. From what I can see, Gassiev excels at close-to-mid range, but I just think he’ll struggle to slip past Usyk’s thrusts. The Russian power-puncher will have his moments, but I envision Usyk boxing his way to a close but clear unanimous decision. I don’t think either man can knock the other out – they both look bulletproof.


NORM FRAUENHEIM: USYK SD

Two unbeaten fighters, both with pound-for-pound aspirations and each with skills that are different yet equal. This one is headed for a photo finish. Murat Gassiev appears to have more power. His aggressive, come-forward style can always result in a stoppage. But the left-handed Usyk has more options in his versatile skill set and just enough power to keep Gassiev off of him. He’ll have to. This figures to go the cards over 12 rounds that could be determined by differences as narrow as Usyk’s two-inch advantage in reach.


TOM GERBASI: USYK UD

Gassiev is the kind of fighter who is dangerous enough to keep Usyk focused for all 12 rounds. And a focused Usyk is a top-level fighter who will rise to the occasion. And on the way to the final bell, the potential is there for a Fight-of-the-Year candidate.


MARTY MULCAHEY: USYK UD

This is one of the best match-ups in all of boxing, which means it is also one of the hardest to pick. Usyk has again ceded hometown advantage, giving Gassiev an intangible positive that is difficult to quantify. Given the evenness I have to go with Usyk; he has shown himself up to the task from his earliest amateur days displaying the mentality and skill set of a champion. Usyk is a slow starter, but I believe he will even the fight up in the mid and later portion of the bout then win it in the championship rounds by a close unanimous decision.


ANSON WAINWRIGHT: USYK SD

The two best cruiserweights in the world for all the marbles, with the added cherry on the top of The Ring belt being on the line. The fight I’m most looking forward to in all of boxing has all the makings of a classic. As I’m writing, I’m still on the fence, can easily make a case for both guys. Usyk is the more skilled guy, while Gassiev looks physically the stronger. Gassiev vs. Yunier Dorticos was the most impressive performance by anyone in the tournament so far. He looked formidable on that evening. If he can build and somehow improve on that Gassiev could well win. At the start of the tournament, I liked Usyk and I’m sticking with that prediction. Like he has in the previous two rounds, going to Germany to beat Marco Huck and Latvia to beat Mairis Briedis, he’ll be in his opponent’s backyard again. What I think may be key is Usyk’s amateur pedigree, that experience will be key and see him home by close split decision. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if they fought a draw and they had to use the extra judges to decide the winner. Sign me up for the rematch.


FRANCISCO SALAZAR: GASSIEV KO

The Usyk-Gassiev fight could be a candidate for ‘Fight of the Year.’ It will be a cautious start, but do not be surprised if the action is blistering after the opening bell. I would not be surprised if both fighters get dropped early, but I think Gassiev is the more heavier handed of the two. Gassiev stops Usyk by Round 10-11.


BOXING INSIDERS

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI (FORMER TWO-WEIGHT WORLD TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): GASSIEV KO

I edge towards Gassiev. I think it’ll be a great fight but I have Gassiev by late stoppage.


VADIM KORNILOV (MANAGER): UNDECIDED

I think Gassiev is stronger and Usyk is more technically sound which will make this clash of styles very interesting and exciting. I cannot pick. It’s a lottery.


MATTY ASKIN (BOXER): USYK

I think that Gassiev is very good but a little one dimensional whereas I think Usyk has a good boxing brain and a better technical boxer so I’m going for Usyk. It should be a great fight but I’m going for Usyk by points decision.


KATHY DUVA (PROMOTER): USYK

Obviously, this is a very close fight. I would be inclined to go with Usyk, if not for the venue. As I think he is stronger and more experienced in high pressure situations. Putting the fight in Russia, however, may not be to Usyk’s advantage. I will still pick Usyk, because I think he is very talented. But I would not be shocked if Gassiev manages to pull it out.


TONY TOLJ (MANAGER): USYK

I see as a razor-close fight. There will be a hostile vocal crowd for the Soviet showdown as Ukraine takes on Russia in Moscow. Both fighters are warriors and won’t die wondering for the bragging rights of kingpin in the cruiserweights. I can’t wait to see it. Oleksandr Usyk to be the better fighter on the night, who gets the decision is a different story.

 

KEVIN LERENA (BOXER): GASSIEV

I’ve said Gassiev from day one. Dorticos in the last fight with Gassiev was putting on a lot of pressure without finding his mark, Gassiev can crack. Having said that Usyk is a terrific boxer, with tremendous skill but he can get caught and he can make mistakes, if Usyk fights Gassiev like he fought Briedis, he’ll lose.


ANDREW TABITI (BOXER): GASSIEV

First I had Usyk favorite. Now I’m looking at the tournament, I’m starting to respect Gassiev’s boxing skills. I thought he was just a come-forward fighter, just hard punching, trying to get you out of there but when he fought Dorticos he was actually boxing real smart. Dorticos was the aggressor in the first half of the fight and he was boxing well in the later rounds he knocked him out. I can see the fight going either way, it could be 50-50. I feel Gassiev had a tough time – even though he beat Lebedev – with Lebedev, Lebedev was boxing Gassiev pretty good, southpaw, shorter. Usyk is a taller southpaw, Olympic gold medalist is gonna give Gassiev a hard time but he could knock him out too. That’s what I love about boxing, you never know who can win, it’s a toss-up. If I put my money down on the harder puncher and would put my money down in Gassiev because he’s the harder puncher.


JOLENE MIZZONE (MATCHMAKER): USYK UD

I think Usyk is just the better boxer and will rise to the occasion in this one.


ERIC BOTTJER (MATCHMAKER): GASSIEV

Terrific match between two guys who will eventually make noise in the heavyweight division. I love both fighters, but I see something special in Gassiev, who will find a way to win a decision.



DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-WEIGHT WORLD TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): USYK MD

The WBSS is the best thing to happen in a long time to boxing fans. We have a unification title fight in record time. Gassiev vs. Usyk is in my opinion fight of the year. Why because to unbeaten fighters both holding two belts each and you can make an argument for either winning. I think Usyk should squeeze home via a points victory, however, Gassiev is a predator more than just a puncher, whoever wins this would have had to go to hell and back to earn there win. MD Usyk.



PETER SMITH (TRAINER): USYK UD

This is going to be an epic fight. I am going with Usyk his movements make it very difficult for Gassiev to pitch his big bombs. Yes, Gassiev does have obviously the punchers chance if Usyk defense becomes leaky. As I’ve seen with Breidis. But this fight is has everything on the line for both and Usyk is a dangerous man when he finds his rhythm. Gassiev need his opponent to settle to be effective but also Gassiev is not busy enough and waits on his heavy hand so do the damage. I am leaning toward Usyk. Can’t wait for the two best cruiserweights in the world right now.


SEAN GIBBONS (MATCHMAKER): GASSIEV SD

It’s a tremendous matchup of huge puncher vs. boxer. Add in the hype of all the belts!! It is a match early on where Usyk will use his boxing skills with good success…But At the end of the night I think the power of Gassiev will be the difference in a very close fight. Split 12 Gassiev.


MARCO HUCK (BOXER): GASSIEV KO or USYK UD

I think this will be a very good and interesting fight for boxing. Both are very tough competitive fighters, Both of them are strong and have good fundamentals. This fight will be beautiful to watch. Gassiev and I sparred in 2014, I know him well and he is a good boxer. I think this fight will be very competitive and both competitors are equally good to me. My prediction is either an early knockout win for Gassiev or Usyk wins by going the distance.


Final tally: 14-6 and two undecided in favor of Oleksandr Usyk

 

***** OFF BELLEW YOU ****!

TONY BELLEW MAKES PREDICTION ON USYK-GASSIEV, COULD TARGET THE WINNER


The World Cup soccer final recently concluded at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, but this Saturday, just 15 minutes on foot from that venue, the Russian capital will host the world cup of cruiserweight confrontations at the Olympic Stadium.

In a showdown for the undisputed championship, WBC and WBO titleholder Oleksandr Usyk faces IBF and WBA counterpart Murat Gassiev in the final of the acclaimed World Boxing Super Series. The winner will also be crowned THE RING champion at 200 pounds and they will also receive the coveted Muhammad Ali trophy.

Yes, this one is for all the marbles.

Former WBC cruiserweight titleholder Tony Bellew recently made a foray into heavyweight territory where he secured a brace of stoppage wins over countryman and bitter rival David Haye. Despite having entered boxing’s glamour division, Bellew is ecstatic that all the cruiserweight belts are being consolidated and he has been watching both participants for several years.

“Usyk is impressive,” said Bellew in an interview with The Ring. “His work rate, his tenacity, his combination punching, his accuracy, his speed, his timing. He’s the most complete cruiserweight in the world. If there’s a downside, he gets hit too much. At this weight, we’re small heavyweights. Essentially, we’re heavyweights who are in shape. It only take one (shot), and regardless of how good Usyk is, regardless of what he did in the amateurs, it only takes one.

“I think Usyk is trying to make himself exciting. He’s trying to get that crossover appeal. His mentor, Wladimir Klitshko, couldn’t quite crossover and give people that excitement. Wladimir gets a lot of stick from fans, but he chose not to be exciting because of how vulnerable he was. Usyk isn’t vulnerable, so he’s making himself exciting by giving guys shots on him.”

Usyk’s availability to punches was never more evident than in his WBSS semi-final against Mairis Briedis in January. Both boxer-punchers traded blows like there was no tomorrow and Usyk prevailed via tight 12-round majority decision.


Briedis was a terrific opponent, but Bellew feels that Gassiev is even more dangerous, as evidenced by a stunning 12th-round stoppage over hard-hitting Cuban Yunier Dorticos in the other semi-final which took place in February.

“Without a doubt, Gassiev is the toughest test of Usyk’s career,” said Bellew. “I could actually make a case for both these guys because they’re brilliant fighters.

“Gassiev likes to take his time. I think he can be disrupted if the pace is brought up and down. I think that’s the way to beat him and Usyk is capable of doing that. Gassiev is going to want it one-paced and he’s going to want his man to exchange up-close with him. I seen patches in the Dorticos fight where Gassiev seemed a bit apprehensive when his opponent was letting go with combinations. But Dorticos looks like a much bigger puncher than Usyk so you have to take that into consideration.”

It’s not an easy fight to call, but “The Bomber” predicts that Usyk will claim cruiserweight gold on points.

As for Bellew the fighter, the Liverpool man looked as good – maybe better – than ever in his rematch victory over Haye. Right now, he’s enjoying some much deserved family time, but Bellew’s plans for the future revolve around fighters from different weights and all of them present vastly different challenges.

“I want the Usyk-Gassiev winner but I need to weigh things up,” admitted Bellew. “If fighting the Usyk-Gassiev winner was the same money as fighting any of the other two fighters I have in mind, then it would be a no-brainer. But if I can make three to five times more money for fighting a Tyson Fury or an Andre Ward, then that outweighs winning all those belts at cruiserweight.

“As much as I’m a bit of a boxing historian and I love the thought of being the undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world, you have to look at the financials. It’s a business decision. I was asked why I didn’t enter the WBSS and the reason was simply: I made more money in one fight (David Haye rematch) than the winner of this entire tournament. And that was without going through three fights and getting loads of miles on my clock.

“If I come back to cruiserweight and fight the winner of Usyk-Gassiev, I know that it would be the final fight of my career because I would take so much stick from either one of them. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got it in me to beat the two of them, but I also know I’m going to take a lot of punishment in there.”

But all of that is for the future. This weekend the cruiserweight drama coalesces in a Moscow prize ring when two unbeaten champions collide.