Which of these heavyweight greats would have given Usyk the toughest fights?

A peak Tyson beats him and I will stand on that.

Usyk could be a favorite over everyone else h2h, even over the likes of Ali, Klitschko brothers and Lewis. Usyk is a monster and I have no real confidence that anyone besides Tyson beats him

 

I think they all find a way to beat Usyk, apart from Wlad, Tyson, and Bowe. I'd have Usyk ahead of them. Out of the rest, I think Lennox is the most challenging due to his technical skill, size, punch power, especially his uppercut which Usyk has shown susceptibility to.

 

Tyson beats him and I’d favor Wlad too. There is not an easy fight in that group of names. I’d say style wise Usyk holds an edge on Lewis and Vitali. Too much speed, angles and work rate for them. Ali and Holmes would be classic battles. Cruiser Holyfield could match cruiser Usyk but at heavy I think Usyk too fast and too disciplined. Bowe too easy to hit.

 

Tyson and Holyfield have the best chance due to their style.

 

Purely based on styles, and the fact that Briedis gave Usyk his toughest/closest fight (outside of Fury 1 before anyone complains!) i'd say peak Mike Tyson is - on paper - the worst style matchup for Usyk.

However, I don't think Usyk can be bullied so not sure if that doesn't even things up a lot.

After that I'd say it's a toss up between Lennox, prime roided Holyfield and Ali. Think Holmes jab might cause Usyk a few issues as well. Though on the flipside, Usyk as an elite southpaw gives them all things to deal with that isn't in the resume.

 

Rocky Marciano

Real Deal Holyfield

Roy Jones Junior

 

Ken Norton is my dark horse here.

 

Out of the list: Holmes. Because he was the most technically gifted of all of them.

But stylistically Frazier would be the toughest fight. Not sure if Frazier would win but it wouldn't be a fun night for Usyk.

 

Prime for prime I favor all of them to beat him

 

He beats them all. But Ali and Vitali give him his toughest fights.

 

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Paulie Malignaggi at 11.47 on where Usyk ranks in the all time list ‘’I know everyones big into their nostalgia, but remember Soviets were not turning pro until the 90’s and I think that makes a big difference, The heavyweights are bigger, lefties are more common now, and also the Soviet era of fighters did not start turning pro until the 90’s so the old days didn’t have to deal with those guys, so a lot of things that favour Usyk being the GOAT’’

 

Mike Tyson