Oleksandr Usyk vs Larry Holmes primes

Holmes via wide clear UD

 

As in Ali's case, Usyk would be a stylistic nightmare for Holmes. Wouldn't be surprised if Usyk pulled it off. He actually can box for 15 rounds with Holmes and not give much ground. Even in his prime Holmes needed breathers. Usyk could take advantage of them.

 

Holmes relies heavily on his jab to establish his rhythm and set up his offense, but Usyk is one of the best heavyweights in history at neutralizing an opponent’s jab, using his southpaw lead hand to disrupt and take it away. Additionally, Holmes has shown a tendency to tire when forced to fight at a high pace or under consistent pressure, an area where Usyk excels. Usyk’s ability to apply intelligent pressure, disrupt rhythm, and capitalize on defensive lapses would be a major factor. Holmes has been hurt by lesser fighters like Snipes and Weaver due to defensive mistakes, and Usyk's precision, movement, and work rate would likely exploit those vulnerabilities. The early rounds might be competitive, but as the fight progresses, Usyk's adaptability and conditioning would allow him to take control and secure the victory.

 

WOW, he sounds amazing, wonder when we''ll get to see it?

 

He's demonstrated these skills in all of his fights. Maybe give them a watch sometime instead of resorting to sarcasm makes you look ignorant

 

I'm merely saying I have not seen Anything Special in Usyk, yes he's a good fighter, of course he is, I just don't see anything extraordinary, that's all.

Respect brother not personal to you or Usyk.

 

Fair enough, I see something extraordinary in him, which is why I defend him so much on these forums. To each their own, I think his accomplishments in two different weight classes speak for themselves. Personally, I find his fighting style to be one of the most technically proficient I've ever seen among heavyweights, and that's why I rate him so highly.

 

that's still a big Wow, I guess I better watch a couple hundred HW Bouts since the 1920's and especially from the 30's to the 80s/90s to see if I can come on board with that. There were/are A LOT of Great Fighters out there.

I'll see how he, Usyk, looks & does in his next couple of fights...

 

He is getting older so he'll probably not be as impressive as he was when he was younger but keep in mind he's also a southpaw which is pretty rare in heavyweight history and probably the best southpaw in heavyweight history

 

This is a fight I'd pay any amount to watch, both equal in size, both skilled, but I think Holmes' Jab would still decide, SD win for Holmes...

 

Usyk. Holmes is vastly overrated on here.

I suspect perceptions will change in the coming years but I see why people are going with the nostalgia vote at the moment.

 

Yeah and it could be the opposite aswell Usyk could lose his next fight and his stock could plummet.

I have no real opinion on this fight I think it would be a very competitive high skilled technical fight.

But I know for sure a prime Larry Holmes is considerably better than Joshua, and Fury who was past his prime coming off a SD vs an MMA fighter.

 

If he loses his next fight, it will be a 38 year old guy losing. His legacy can level off or go up.

As for Holmes, he fought in a dreadful era when his best opponents were 35 year old Norton and 13-fight Witherspoon. When the guys came on the scene who really could have made some good fights, Holmes declined to fight them. Holmes reputation boost came from is 90's comeback, and more power to him, but the really great wins aren't there. You say that Holmes is better than Joshua...sure, but the point is, 35 year old Norton is not.

 

Tbf Usyk would be better then anyone Holmes beat as well and a southpaw which Holmes hasn't proven he can deal with.