Who should Usyk’s first fight be at heavyweight?

A Joyce rematch would be fun. The amateur bout was a hell of a fight. But it's not realistic.

I think the choice of his first opponent at HW will much depend on the fact how good he can translate to the new weight.
I mean the question is how much weight will he put on in the next few months and what's his feeling? How is he looking in training?
If he feels well and looking good, why not fighting ambitious opponents? Usyk never was a guy who needs those easy tune up fights.

I can see him fighting Povetkin, Takam or Duhaupas next, depends on those factors i mentioned above.

 

If the long term goal is to set up a fight with Joshua then him against a Brit or at least a heavyweight well known by Brits makes the most sense.

Chisora win or lose after the Whyte fight would be good. Chisora is a proven gate keeper and always brings it when motivated.

Whyte again win or lose is a good fight for Usyk. If Whyte loses he might want and easier next opponent to rebuild but if he beats Chisora he's shown he doesn't fear taking risky fights if it's PPV and makes him a nice payday.

Takam, proven operator at world level, well known to Brits after fighting Joshua and Chisora.

Guys like Breazeale and Pulev as mandatories for world titles won't likely accept any dangerous fights, if they fight at all again before their shots.

Kownacki is unlikely he's being built up by Haymon and being fed other Haymon heavies, firstly Szpilka, then Martin and soon Washington.

Miller is being aimed at the WBA regular title so that's an unlikely route, especially as Miller isn't taking any real risks so far.

 

Pulev or Helinius

 

Big Baby.

 

Briggs.

 

He should win both but mass is a thing. Might make it interesting.

 

Multiplied by the speed of light squared it equals pure ENERGY.

(the real ish, not that awful Drake song)

 

They will not risk him against any kind of 'name' in the division as the noise surrounding his HW debut will be loud enough without a tough match-up or added risk. I think Takam ticks all the boxes - lasted 10 rounds with AJ - so seen to be tough enough - but on the decline as shown with the Chisora fight.

 

idk, for a first time at the weight Takam seems pretty risky.

 

Butt...I'm sorry. Have never heard the Drake song to my recollection. Sounds like that's probably a win for me, though.

 

Povetkin in Russia

 

Ugh, it was his attempt to cash in on the new trap and mumblecore trends a few years ago. Worst rap song I have ever heard in 36 years. And for some reason it was a hit. They used to blare it constantly in my old boxing gym.

 

My condolences.

 

Agit Kabayel would be a reasonable start for a 1st fight.

Euro Champion, unbeaten and on the World Scene.

I presume the rankings on the link below are legit.

https://box.live/world-rankings/heavyweight/

WBO #8
IBF #3
WBC #6