Usyk looks unbeatable
Undisputed world cruiser-weight champion Oleksandr Usyk will attempt to extend his unbeaten record to 16 when he defends all of his titles against Tony Bellew at Manchester Arena on Saturday 10 November – we’re in for a cracker!
Usyk, who heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua labels as the “perfect fighter,” is trading at 2-11 for the win with Betting World – and rightfully so, you can’t argue with statistics. He picked up his first world title in just his tenth fight, when beating Krzysztof Głowacki to win the WBO belt, added the WBC strap when he outclassed Mairis Briedis by decision, and then added the IBF and WBA titles to his collection with a win over Murat Gassiev.
With that said, fights are won in the ring and not on paper. After two impressive wins over David Haye at heavyweight, Bellew has moved down in weight to challenge Usyk. He has made a name for himself, disappointing bookmakers of late, so the 15-4 price is tempting, even though he is unlikely to win.
Bellew is in the form of his life, having won ten consecutive fights since suffering a TKO loss to Adonis Stevenson in 2013 – a fight that exposed the many chinks in his armour.
Unfortunately, to beat Usyk, I believe the 35-year-old will have to knock his four-year younger rival out, and although his "dirty left hook," will play a major role in the fight, I don’t see it winning him the fight, and such is reflected on the betting!
My prediction, Usyk wins by 12 round point-decision. He’ll be too quick for Bellew, the footwork will be on another level and his foe will be unable to keep up. Expect a jab fest, Usyk lands some of the most brutal body shots in the business and while trying to protect his body – Bellew will open up, allowing the Ukrainian to land “knockout” worthy shots up top.