Usyk vs Gassiev: Can Oleskandr Usyk compete with Anthony Joshua at heavyweight?
OLEKSANDR USYK produced a boxing masterclass against Murat Gassiev in the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament final last night to become the first undisputed 200lb champion of the four-belt era.
The Ukrainian added Gassiev’s IBF and WBA straps to his WBO and WBC titles during a one-sided exhibition in Moscow; scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 119-109 demonstrated the dominance of the Olympic gold medal-winner’s performance.
Usyk joined elite company in Evander Holyfield and O'Neil Bell as the only men to have achieved the title of undisputed cruiserweight champion – but the 31-year-old became the first man to do so since the four-belt era began in 2007.
The skilled southpaw dazzled and danced his way around the power-punching Russian, pushing a relentless pace that Gassiev had no answer for.
Time and again, the 24-year-old marched forwards attempting to turn the heat up on Usyk but found himself being peppered with disorienting, if not damaging, shots from all angles as Usyk counter-attacked masterful rhythm.
Speaking after the fight, his sixth world title fight on enemy territory in just 15 professional bouts, Usyk wasted no time in lining up another blockbuster clash, calling out British cruiserweight-turned-heavyweight Tony Bellew.
He said: ”I heard Tony Bellew is looking for a fight with the winner of the Muhammad Ali Trophy. I hope he will see me.
“Tony Bellew are you ready?
"If he doesn't want to go down [to cruiserweight], I will go will go up for him.
”I will take extra spaghetti for dinner."
Bellew remains adamant he can make the cruiserweight limit while remaining competitive; the 35-year-old has not fought at 200lb since walloping BJ Flores with a third-round knockout in 2016.
However, it seems more likely Usyk will migrate to the heavyweight division to meet Bellew, moving up for the first time in his professional career.
In January, the 15-0 (11 KOs) star told Sky Sports he planned to chase down Anthony Joshua, saying: "I will move up to heavyweight and show them all how good I am.
"I think you can see yourself, I will fight him [Joshua].
“Not yet though. But it is a question everybody keeps asking me, so once we go face to face, we will find out. It will be good.“
But how would the amateur standout fare in the land of the giants?
A look at his World Series of Boxing victory over Joe Joyce in 2013 provides a hint at what could be expected as Usyk scored a unanimous decision over the Brit at York Hall, with all three judges scoring the contest 50:45.
Usyk’s cardio and footwork caused Joyce problems, even if his power did not, as he systematically broke Joyce down over five rounds, bloodying the Juggernaut’s nose with his troublesome jab.
Fighting at heavyweight would require Usyk to pile on the pounds – he claims he will aim for the 220lb mark – in order to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Joshua, Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury.
A slimmed-down Joshua weighed in at 242lb against Joseph Parker in March – a mark that would still give the Brit more than 20lb advantage.
Given Usyk’s lack of explosive power, it might prove a bridge too far to compete with the hardest hitters in the division – but as his skilful victory Gassiev demonstrated, on his night, he could be a nightmare for a fighter of any size.