Usyk-Briedis Scorecard & Thoughts

Just got done watching the fight. Here's my card and thoughts.

R01...10-9 OU
R02...10-9

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R03...10-9

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R04...10-9 OU
R05...10-9 OU
R06...10-9

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R07...10-9 OU
R08...10-9 OU
R09...10-9 OU
R10...10-9 OU
R11...10-9 OU
R12...10-9

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116-112 Usyk

* Usyk fought on the front foot for much of the second half of the fight. He basically stalked a puncher, which is risky. This must be part of what his team wants him to do (be more aggressive) to attract more fans. Someone on the forum said that both Usyk and Loma were told to do this recently (be more aggressive and fan friendly).

* Usyk was cut over his right eye in the 3rd round from an accidental butt and he handled it well.

* Usyk's conditioning and chin are exceptional. He did tire in the 12th round, and got caught, but he was never in any danger.

* The way Usyk fought in this fight is not how he would fight large, powerful heavyweights like Joshua and Wilder, I'm sure. So I don't know if there's a lot to take from this bout as regards Usyk's prospects at heavyweight.

* The fight was competitive, but Usyk clearly won. I'm not even sure that a case can be made for a draw, even though there were many close rounds and it was a very competitive bout. Usyk had an enormous edge in ring generalship in the bout, landed more punches (though it was close), and was on the front foot a significant portion of the fight.

* Briedis is a fantastic fighter. Likely the second-best cruiserweight in the world. His power, accuracy, competitiveness and particularly his speed made this a great fight and probably a tougher fight than Usyk has ever had, and probably a tougher fight than Usyk thought he would have. But it's not that Usyk sucked, it's that Briedis is really that good. In this respect, it reminded me of Golovkin-Jacobs. GGG was still "him," but Jacobs over-performed in terms of what people thought they would see from the opponent.

* This was an excellent performance and learning experience for Usyk. I did not watch the bout in real time, and from what I read here I thought Usyk would look bad and his stock would drop. Actually, I think his stock is the same or better. He fought an unbeaten titlist in the champ's backyard, had a tougher fight than many thought he would have, and he overcame adversity (cut). And he dominated the second half of the fight. Not sure what people expect. These are real people, not robots.

Overall, excellent fight and both men acquitted themselves well. I'm as excited for Usyk's career as I was before this bout took place. Which is to say, very excited.

 

Very well said and I agree.

Usyk was extremely aggressive against a guy with big, big power. He did make the fight tougher for himself because of that aggression.

There's no way he fights like that against the super heavyweights, I don't think.

Briedis gave him a good match tonight. Really good. Fighting in such a competitive fight should only help Usyk develop and improve.

Briedis is deceptively fast. Usyk is used to bossing guys pretty much as he wants, but that was not the case for a good portion of this bout. And because guys often only improve when they have to, I think tonight will end up helping Usyk in the end.

 

Yeah, you're right. The smaller guys give him problems, not the larger ones.

When guys can match his speed and quickness, that's when he has struggles. Usyk is used to being the fast, elusive guy and it's harder for him when he doesn't have a large edge in that regard.

I thought it was a great fight and hats off to Briedis. I respect Briedis a lot and I'm glad he performed well in front of his home fans.