Santa Magno is letting out a hearty “Ho Ho Ho” on this particular Christmas version of the Bulging Mail Sack. And, sure, he IS referring to the workers of the brand new Saudi period Ring Journal. Get it? “Ho Ho Ho” as in, “they’re all hoes?” Get it? Anyway, this week we now have feedback/questions concerning Usykmania, Tyson Fury’s legacy, and Tank’s newest (attainable) cancellation.
Is Usyk and All-Time Nice?
Magno.
What’s your opinion of Oleksandr Usyk as an all-time nice? I can acknowledge the greatness of what he’s completed in his profession, however there are some folks placing him on the ATG nice record, inside the highest 5 at heavyweight and altogether. I don’t know, man. The physique of labor simply isn’t there, IMO. Even prime 10 is admittedly questionable for me. What do you suppose? The place does he charge in your record of all-time greats?
– Jay
Hey Jay.
Boxing folks are likely to make the most of some, fascinating, logic typically. The identical individuals who regarded Tyson Fury as overrated at the moment are utilizing Usyk’s wins over Fury as validation to greatness. Solely in boxing, can folks regard somebody as overrated after which overrate somebody as a result of he beat that overrated fighter. Like I mentioned, it’s “fascinating” logic.
For the file, I don’t suppose Fury was overrated for probably the most half. However, I suppose, that is determined by who you hearken to and who you learn. Personally, I didn’t see him as a terrific after he beat Wilder and I didn’t see him as a bum after he misplaced his first battle prime Usyk (which might’ve simply been a win).
As for Usyk? In fact he’s being overrated if he’s already being talked about in the identical breath as guys like Ali, Frazier, and even Holyfield. I don’t do ATG lists. But when I have been to make such a listing, I’d be an absolute goof to place Usyk close to the highest of the ATG heavyweights with simply seven heavyweight fights in opposition to 5 fighters (and solely two with attainable HOF credentials) when a man like Ali went one thing like 18-4 in opposition to prime 50, all-time, opponents and confronted 14 future Corridor of Famers. Even Evander Holyfield’s resume at heavyweight is significantly heftier, with wins and “ought to’ve been” wins versus Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer, Buster Douglass and post-prime George Foreman and Larry Holmes.
And, no, cruiserweight kingmanship doesn’t add an entire lot to Usyk’s ATG standing. As a result of, nicely, it’s cruiserweight and since no one he beat in that division is something greater than an afterthought within the sport’s large image.
This isn’t a knock on Usyk, however ranking him up among the many all-time greats together with his resume is absurd. It’s simply boxing folks being caught up in hyperbole. For a sport so obsessive about romanticizing its previous, these folks positive don’t prefer to put issues in correct historic perspective. Why can’t folks be good with simply counting Usyk among the many current tense greats?
Fury’s Legacy and Future/Usyk’s Legacy and Future
Paul.
Whereas some argue that Tyson Fury’s latest losses to Oleksandr Usyk might doubtlessly tarnish his legacy, I nonetheless imagine his general achievements, together with his dominant wins over Deontay Wilder and his technical prowess, are sufficient to maintain his legacy largely untarnished. I imagine these losses truly enhance his legacy in methods contemplating how good he seemed in each fights in opposition to a generational fighter in Usyk. On a special day, in a special venue with totally different judges, he might simply be 0-0-2 in my view. I had Saturday’s battle 115-113 for Usyk. That mentioned, his resume continues to be a bit of skinny in my view. What do you suppose? A win over Joshua cements his legacy I believe as the very best fighter of his era not named Usyk. I might say he already is, however his resume is so skinny.
Secondly, the place does Fury go from right here?
Me personally, I imagine Usyk ought to go on and battle the winner of Zhang/Parker in both China or Australia. Earlier than that occurs, I imagine he’s earned a showcase battle in Poland for his countrymen to get pleasure from (Ukraine clearly not being practical). That will pave the best way for Fury vs Dubois in Wembley with Joshua ready. Do Fury and Joshua simply get it on now for the sake of this battle lastly occurring? Ought to each take a tune as much as come off wins; particularly Joshua?
I personally imagine Fury is 2-4 fights away from being thought-about an all time nice with wins over Joshua, yet one more identify and even a rubber match with Usyk.
Merry Christmas man, recognize your work.
– Greg
Hey Greg.
Merry Christmas.
I believe the plan of action for Fury is fairly clear, simply as it’s for Joshua. They should battle now and money in earlier than any additional losses diminish the shine of Fury-Joshua or earlier than one (or each) flake out and/or stroll away from boxing. At this level, I get the vibe that Fury is nearly achieved with boxing and I don’t suppose he cares the least little bit about constructing upon his legacy. I do agree that his resume is skinny in the case of legacy/generational stuff, however like I mentioned, I don’t see him caring about that stuff. For the file, I had him beating Usyk by one level the primary time round and shedding decisively this time. So, I’ve this Usyk rivalry at 1-1, personally.
Usyk, in the meantime, most likely has two assured marquee fights in entrance of him– Dubois and the winner of Zhang-Parker. He’ll be 38 in June and I believe limiting his choices to a two-fight plan might be most practical. Possibly the winner of Bakole-Kabayel will get tossed his method after these two fights if he’s nonetheless champ. However, I agree, I believe a comfortable contact can be tremendous subsequent. He’s earned it.
Tank’s Cancellation
Hey Magno.
What do you consider Gervonta Davis canceling his battle with Lamont Roach on social media? Is that this for actual or is it simply making publicity?
– Luis
Hey Luis.
Truthfully? I’m utterly tired of Tank Davis and his obvious internal angst and wild indifference in the case of boxing. He’s a legit star and unquestionably the highest American boxing star in the intervening time, however what good is all of that if he doesn’t battle and doesn’t make intriguing fights when he does? So, even when the Roach battle IS canceled (I’m listening to it’s not), it’s not like we’re shedding all that a lot. Let him transfer on and be proud of no matter’s subsequent in his life. If that is only a publicity ploy, it’s a reasonably dumb one.
Bought a query (or hate mail) for Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack? One of the best of the very best will get included within the weekly mailbag section proper right here at FightHype. Ship your stuff right here: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
