Usyk vs Rico - Preview Video

Well talked up, but isn't this yet another exhibition cash grab? Giza and its wonders, two dudes close to retirement, one hopping the fence, huge promo and purse. All it needs is Jake Paul as ring announcer.

 

I think this would have made a great swan song fight at the end of Usyk's career. As it is, I just hope he signs to fight Kabayel...like on May 24. Usyk, is talking about fighting on past the three he had previously said, but with the WBO line effectively shut down, since neither side wants a third Dubois fight, it's tough to see where he goes after Verhouven if not Kabayel, and even if he takes the Kabayel fight, where does he go after?

Dubois-neither side wants it.

Parker- will be get a suspension for the Coca Cola? Even if he beats it, he'll need another rebuild

Fury- Fury wants another tune-up and then AJ, and there might be a rematch to that one. This would not be on the table anytime soon, if, indeed, Fury really even wants it.

Wilder- Didn't want the smoke. What is going to change?

Itauma- Moses has talked about Usyk, fought Whyte, swerved Sanchez, lobbied hard for Pulev, fought Franklin, swerved Gassiev once he got the WBA belt, and now claims he'll fight Hrgovic, even though he is WBO #1. He ain't fighting Usyk any time soon. He talks big fights and fights small ones, and that is going to be going on for a few years.

Who is left to provide the big money and spectacle fights that Usyk wants?

 

Kabayel is the only one who can be competitive. Opetaia can be competitive too if he moves up but he is stuck with Zuffa.

 

Kabayel deserves the fight but I don't see it as competitive. How's he going to land those body shots if he can't trap him on the ropes?

8-4 Uysk worst case scenario.

 

8-4 is competitive enough. Kabayel can’t trap him on the ropes consistently but he only needs to get him there once and then go for it. Fury and Dubois managed to get him close to the ropes but didn’t have the guts to go for it.


Another tactic could be to throw a jab right on top and then hammer in a left hook to the liver. Usyk will block the liver hook but again, it’s about giving Usyk of things to think about. The liver hook could reduce the effectiveness of Usyks jab since he could need to use his right hand to block the hook to the body.

 

Yeah, that's why Usyk wanted Wardley to beat Diglett. Gave him another British dude he could knock off in a big time stadium fight and market it as Undisputed.

Kabayel has to be the next place he goes. No one else makes sense. And like you say, Kabayel is decent but he's not going to be able to work his body punching bonanza against Usyk. He's easily hittable, has a suspect chin, and is medium-slow which is plenty slow for Usyk to work magic on.

I really think Usyk tries pushing for a Wilder fight after Kabayel. We all know Wilder is a shell of what little he once was, but that's the last pelt Usyk needs to complete the set. Plus, it's an American and he can make the fight in New York or Las Vegas and open himself up to a new market. It also potentially boosts a future fight with Benevidez if David wants to take a boat load of cash to get his head caved in.

Usyk really do be running out of opponents, though. Maybe we can hope Wardley gets a Super Sayian level power up for the beatdown he took and is able to knock Diglett off in a rematch?

 

Any idea what is going on with Parker? The failed test feels like aeons ago.

 

Usyk dances and acts like a clown on YouTube. This fight is no exception.

 

The undercard is excellent to be sure, but the only -- and I mean only -- suspense with the main event is how many rounds Usyk carries Verhoeven.

Echoing catchwtboxing, I'll be happiest if, during the postfight interview, Usyk announces he'll face Kabayel.

 

Zuffa would not prevent Opetaia vs Usyk - it is bankrolled by Turki so if he wants the fight it will happen.

But I hope Kabayel is next.

 

Last I heard he just said he has to be patient. I think he may be serving as silent ban, but I don't know.

 

Yah, I suppose it's not out of the question Wardly wins the rematch. But he's got a lot of improving to do.

 

Opetai would be the hardest fight, but Kabayal deserves his shot, and would sell big in Germany.
I personally think Usyk should retire he’s 39 going on 40. A loss wouldn’t affect his legacy at this point, only to the haters, but why risk his health. Outside of the two above mentioned fighters, there’s no immediate worthwhile challengers. Torrez is on the undercard if he wins in a big way, and wins another bout of note, while Usyk fights Kabayel he may become an option. Give him the American Opponent I’m sure Usyk’s team would like to fight.

 

I don't understand why Usyk is delaying the Kabayel bout so long. The longer he waits the more chance Kabayel has to win. Usyk is at the age where he can rapidly slow down. At his best he should beat Kabayel easily, but now he is only declining.

I wouldn't be surprised to hear a retirement announcement after this bout tbh. Very arguably the worst title defence in the history of boxing, even worse than Patterson - Rademacher.