oleksandr Usyk disproves the theory of oversized heavyweights

By: Sean Crose

On Saturday in Saudi Arabia, WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk put to rest a theory that was once on the verge of becoming an accepted fact: that the heavyweight division was now the exclusive realm of fighters a height five feet (6’5 minimum) or taller. The great heavyweights of the past, such as Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis, simply would not have been able to defeat titans such as Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and others. Or at least that’s what they said. And then Usyk arrived.

By beating 6’9 former titlist Tyson Fury for the second time last weekend, the 6’3 Usyk proved that traditionally sized heavyweights could indeed still rule supreme in the division. It wasn’t long ago that the question of heavyweight dominance in the post-Wladimir Klitschko era came down to a contest between three people: Fury, Joshua and the explosive powerhouse Deontay Wilder. The tough American Wilder was subsequently knocked off his feet after three grueling battles with Fury. Then Usyk easily beat Joshua twice. And now he’s beaten Fury twice. So much for the theory of oversized heavyweights. Now the traditional-sized Usyk rules the division.

Of course there are other imposing heavyweights out there, but none of them are likely to get the better of Usyk. Even the 6’5 Daniel Dubois, who some argue actually deserved the win when he faced Usyk in 2018, will be no favorite to emerge victorious if the two men meet again, which could very well happen. While none of this means that oversized heavyweights will never dominate the division again, the veil of invincibility has been torn away. While it’s obvious that big heavyweights are much more skilled now than they were back in the day (think Jess Willard and Primo Carnera), it’s now clear that height isn’t always a disqualifying factor for heavyweight opponents shorter or of medium size.

This is something Usyk demonstrated with aplomb. And while Usyk is certainly a high caliber fighter at the very least, it’s hard to argue that he’s the only middleweight who could beat the likes of Joshua and Fury. Both men have shown they can be vulnerable when caught (Fury was even dropped by a former cruiserweight). Fury has also shown that he isn’t as powerful a fighter when smaller men go against him.

Not that Fury, Joshua (and Wilder) aren’t excellent fighters. The fact is, Usyk has now proven numerous times that talent and a serious work ethic can even things up.