Usyk - Gassiev. Predictions?

The cruiserweight WBSS has been fantastic - all the semi-finalists were unbeaten and all were beltholders. For the first time there's going to be a fully unified champ in this division. Usyk only just decisioned a very tough customer in Briedis whilst Gassiev had (IMO) the fight of the year against Dorticos where neither fighter took a backward step.

I can't really call this one. There's lots of talk about how Usyk should rule the roost at Cruiser and then go up to challenge the heavies - he's trained by Anatoly Lomacheko so it would be hard to bet against him.

Gassiev on the other hand is as hard as nails and has the chin to match.

It all depends on the fight we end up getting. If it's a boxing match, it's be Usyk's fight, probably by UD. However if Gassiev can turn it into a slugfest, it's only going to end in his favour.

Head says Usyk wins this as he's too clever, too slick. However heart is saying Gassiev because he he simply doesn't quit. This won't be as exciting as the Dorticos fight, but it might be close to it.

Thoughts everyone?

I’ve been waiting for this bout since the semi finals finished. Usyk is by far the better boxer, as his outstanding amateur record shows. He’s also not scared to fight away from home Huck in Germany, Breidis in Latvia and now Gassiev in Russia. There’s a couple of questions regarding Usyk, his stamina and his chin.

Gassiev is essentially a bigger version of GGG, but he’s a only a youngster 24 years old. Gassiev cuts off the ring in the GGG style(obviously helped by being trained by Abel Sanchez) but his power is devastating.

Usyk looked like a banger in his earlier bouts but his power seems overrated and he couldn’t really hurt Breidis.

I’m backing Usyk to win by boxing at range. But if Gassiev lands one on the sensational Ukrainian’s chin it will be a clean KO

Classic boxer v puncher mix, Usyk for me, it would be madness to trade with Gassiev and he has the skills to stay away and box to a points win.

Looks like the judges are on the Russian boxing federations payroll, Fedor Chudinov was gifted a split decision in a fight he was totally outclassed

Usyk befuddling Gassiev with his far superior footwork

Gassiev landed a massive overhead right at the end of the fourth. Usyk definitely felt it

Into the championship rounds and Usyk had put on a clinic. Gassiev looks clueless

At best he's won a round and that's it he's been a punch bag but then Chudinov got a decision somehow

Whoever watched it, you saw an absolute genius in Usyk totally pick apart Gassiev. Usyk punch combos are unreal.

120-108 119-109 119-109

Undefeated and undisputed cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk