Pick 5 of the following contenders from the past that would have had a good fight with Usyk

I think only Alexander Povetkin or Jerry Quarry but I’ve never seen Elmer Ray fight he runs over the rest of them.

 

Theres a few I think.

Ibeabuchi has the workrate the chin the power to be problematic for Usyk. And he did KO another slick Southpaw in Byrd so he has experience fighting a world class Southpaw.

Povetkin has the skills the aggression and power to also be problematic.

Quarry vs Usyk would be a very good fight at Cruiserweight I think.

Cooney was a savage body puncher I think he could make Usyk uncomfortable with his left hook to the body.

I don't really see anyone else on the list being too problematic.

So I'll pick 4.

Povetkin
Ibeabuchi
Quarry at Cruiserweight
Cooney

 

I'll pick Povetkin, Ibeabuchi, Tua, Ruddock, and Quarry. I think these guys are the best out of the litter, but I wouldn't bet on all of em to make it an issue for Crazy Eyes- I only chose five cause I had to. Tua and Ruddock likely get straight up outclassed, whereas the other three could be somewhat tough for Usyk.

 

Povetkin is my number 1. Super-skilled and talented. Quarry a weaker facsimile of the same.

But Usyk can get stung. And no one was in the stinging business like Tua. Ruddock the same but not as skilled at setting up his money shot.

Ike might be able to do it with pressure and volume.

 

Tua: a tough customer with punching power. I think he sparkles Usyk more than once.

Lyle: a live underdog who is gonna test Usyk's toughness and endurance.

Cooney: tough nut who can crack; who knows, maybe gets lucky.

Shavers: outclassed and outboxed; but if he manages to catch Usyk all bets are off.

Williams: why in heavens I picked him? more like a curiosity than anything else.

 

I was thinking the same thing.

There is no surviving film of Ray, so you will never see him.

 

Lyle against Usyk will go the way, literally every Lyle fight with an excellent boxer remotely near their prime went. Lyle on the wrong end of a lopsided decision. Only this time, I don't think Lyle can actually make it the distance.