Usyk-Briedis actually. I want to see how Usyk deals with someone as adept at spoiling, frustrating and breaking rhythm as Briedis is. Followed by Groves-Eubank, Dorticos-Gassiev and then Smith-Braehmer.
Groves/Eubank, easily. Build up will be phenomenal, and they each have strengths that line up well with the other's weaknesses. Event itself will have the UK buzzing as well. Gassiev/Dorticos second, looking forward to see how each will take into consideration the other's power. Gassiev wants to fight like a 200lb Golovkin but does he have the whiskers or footwork to do that against Dorticos? Will Dorticos sacrifice some power for mobility and stick and move behind the jab? Usyk/Briedis third. Intrigued to see if Briedis will spoil as much as he did against Perez, but I just can't see it playing out like that. He only spoiled when Perez tried to keep it at close/mid range whereas Usyk doesn't fight like that at all. I can see Usyk winning fairly comfortably at long range. Smith/Jurgi fourth. Not really much x-factor about this match up in all honesty. Yes it's a step up for Smith but other than that there isn't much that intrigues me.
I see Usyk as a lock to win the cruiserweight WBSS tourney whereas Eubank Jnr and GG is for me a 50/50 fight and an electric clash of styles. Groves potentially has Eubanks Kryptonite with that sharp shooter jab and Eubank Jnr has Groves Kryptonite with his aggression and work rate. I rate Groves very highly, particularly with how he's stuck to his task to win a belt on his 4th attempt, that takes some mental fortitude and then you have Eubank Jnr who's on the crest of a wave and this could well be his coming out party. I cannot wait, definite FOTY candidate for me.
I'd be lying if I didnt say I'm happy to see l'il Eubank getting his head handed to him. Theres no doubt it will happen, unless 2G's ego goes to his head, which has been known to happen.
The Groves- Eubank Jr is the stand out from my perspective, because its Eubank Jrs first step up since he was beaten by BJS and there are other unknowns around how far Groves has slipped. It will be a big event in the UK with lots of media coverage. Has Eubank Jr really improved, or has he just looked good against cherry picked opposition is another unanswered question. After that a close second is Dorticos - Gassiev, purely because of the styles and KO record records of these two. Both laid on brutal early KOs in the previous rounds and both carry huuuuuge power. This fight was built up from the excitement of their previous round performances.
All 4 of them are great fights. 1.Groves vs Eubank 2.Gassiev vs Dort 3.Smith vs Breahmer Briedis lost a lot of the lustre surrounding him after his awful clinch show against Perez. Im in no hurry to see something like that again , but I reckon Uysk will strip him bare and show that he's always been an over hyped fighter.
1) Gassiev vs Dorticos. Chance for an upset and 2 huge punchers going at it. 2) Groves vs Eubank Jr. Finally putting the Jr hype to rest, or maybe outs him as the real deal anyway. 3) Usyk vs Briedis. To get a glimpse on what Usyk can do at HW. 4) Smith vs Brähmer. Don't expect much of a surprise and/or edge of your seat action here.
