Usyk coming in at 230 lbs will be a mistake

I'm right with you mate.
Usyk is 34 years old, close to 35. Thats an age where you can still perform at the top of your game if you took very good care of your body, which Usyk seems to have done. It's also an age at which many boxers started decline rapidly. There are so many unknown elements, it's making me nervous.

However in the limited footage/interview, Usyk seems really confident and focused, more so than ever before. I think this is the fight Usyk waited for his whole career and he will squeeze out every ounce possible to beat AJ.

I don't know if its my way of coping with his previous HW performances but I also am starting to believe that he didnt get out of 2nd/3rd gear for his last 2 bouts, maybe he's appearing vulnerable to give AJ a false sense of security. I might sound deluded but I am truly starting to believe that might be his strategy.

 

Exactly 231 lbs

 

Everyone is talking about weight, but what about height? I think Usyk needs to come in at 6'7. AJ is expecting a shorter fighter, so If Usyk surprises him by coming in tall, he could win the fight with a reach advantage and superior jab!

But seriously, I agree with everyone here. Ideally Usyk should come in light and fast. His focus should be speed and stamina. So whatever weight he is most comfortable at fighting at a high pace. He is a bit older than the WSB days, so expecting him to come in at 210 or less is probably unrealistic, but think he should try and be under 220. I think 215 or so would be ideal. If he weighs-in and is under 220, I think he will win the fight (probably get robbed on the cards though)

 

Not if he has to press the action, his best bet is to make joshua come to him and make him pay

 

I think so, so my guess is that he'll come in at around 215-220.

 

As I've said before, Joshua will get very little credit on this board if he wins. A decision win will be called a robbery, even if it's clear like it was against Parker and if he KO's him without any question marks the story will be that Usyk was shot anyway and that it showed against Chisora. Or that he came in too heavy, or too light etc.

 

I honestly think AJ gets pummeled from the 3rd round on.

 

I don’t think you have to worry. Even though I think either guy can win this fight, I don’t think it’s going to come down to a few pounds north or south of 225 for Usyk. He’s older and can probably carry a few pounds without losing endurance. It’s a tough balance between maintaining punch resistance without being drained. I’m hoping he comes in on the light side but he’s pretty smart and his team isn’t going to let him get bigger than he can carry around.

I wouldnt be surprised if AJ knocks Usyk down in the first three or four rounds. AJs best shot is to get him out early and try to rough him up. Usyk needs to avoid AJs power but that’s easier said than done as he will need to get close to land shots, and he will be within range for his jab as AJ will have the size and reach advantage.

Big challenges for both guys but this is the heavyweight championship so that’s how I like it. I hope this fight does well with the PPV because it’s a good one on paper. I just hope it’s not another controversial decision.

 

Joshua won't do that. I think from ever sinze Ruiz he no longer fights as aggressively in the beginning. Why give Usyk options when he can fight long and score points?
If an opportunity for the KO shows up then he takes it.

 

I doubt usyk will come over 222 lbs … even bet on it

 

If Usyk feels good the number on the scale doesn't matter and I find it hard to believe he would walk into a ring not feeling good may the best man win

 

Shocks me how a bunch of you behind your PC screens are saying Usyk has made a mistake coming over 230 pounds...

I didn't realise the majority of you were top trainers who know exactly how to beat AJ and know exactly how Usyk trains during a camp.

 

Joe Joyce?

 

If people had to be qualified to speculate and discuss the sport, there'd be no one on this forum.