Oleksandr Usyk's prospects at heavyweight

Oleksandr Usyk became the first fighter to hold all four major world championship belts at cruiserweight by defeating Murat Gassiev in July, 2018.

At 31 years of age, he has already carved out a tremendous career, receiving the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and winning the World Boxing Super Series. Many boxing experts expected Gassiev to be Usyk’s toughest challenge to date, and a measuring stick for how Usyk may fare if he decides to move up to heavyweight.

Usyk passed this test with flying colors. He arguably won all 12 rounds, and displayed a granite chin in the process. Anatoly Lomachenko, father and trainer of Vasyl Lomachenko, has worked with Usyk extensively, and there are evident similarities between the two Ukrainian superstar fighters. Both do fine work utilizing their jab and lateral movement.

The initial question that arises when mentioning a move to heavyweight is his ability to punch for power. This will not be an issue, as he has a high punch output and doesn’t sit down on many of his punches. When the moment presents itself for him to utilize his power, he takes full advantage.

He has stopped 11 of his 15 opponents. None of the current top heavyweights have experienced the boxing IQ and movement that Usyk displays. He is constantly in his opponents’ face with the jab, and remains active through every moment of each round. His defense will also frustrate heavyweight opposition. Usyk, who won Olympic gold at heavyweight, is fully equipped to move up a division, and from a skill standpoint he surpasses any heavyweight in the world.