When Oleksandr Usyk transitioned to the heavyweight division after dominating the cruiserweight ranks, many observers believed his size would be a significant disadvantage. The prevailing wisdom, often summarized as `a good big fighter always beats a good smaller one`, suggested he wouldn`t be able to defeat larger opponents like Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury.
In the era following giants like Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko, and with the imposing Tyson Fury holding the lineal title, it was widely assumed that a fighter who had moved up from cruiserweight would simply be too small for the modern, often `super-sized` heavyweight class. Recent examples seemed to support this view: Wladimir Klitschko (242 lbs) comfortably handled David Haye (212 lbs) in 2011, and Tyson Fury consistently outmuscled the smaller, powerful Deontay Wilder over their three fights between 2018 and 2021.
However, after seven bouts as a heavyweight, Usyk has completely challenged the notion of how large a fighter needs to be in today`s division. He has defeated both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice each, despite giving up considerable height, weight, and reach advantages. He also secured a victory against another bigger man, Daniel Dubois (233 lbs), adding to his impressive heavyweight resume.
Russ Anber, Usyk`s respected cornerman for the last 13 fights of his 23-fight professional career, views these successes as proof that the Ukrainian, who turned 38 on January 17, possesses the skills to compete with any heavyweight in history.
“I don`t know where you`d rank Usyk among the greatest heavyweights,” Anber states, “but you could put him in the ring with anyone from history, and he would have the skill set to compete. Size matters, but in Usyk`s case, compared to many other great heavyweights throughout history, he`s a similar size or even larger than those often considered quintessential heavyweights – fighters around 220 lbs, like Ali, Frazier, and Foreman. As for figures like Rocky Marciano and Jack Dempsey, they were shorter than Usyk and, in their prime, fought closer to 185 lbs – significantly smaller than a modern heavyweight like Usyk.”
“Until Lennox and the Klitschkos emerged, that kind of size was standard for top heavyweights. Those who were much bigger – like Primo Carnera or Jess Willard – didn`t achieve the same level of success as figures like Ali or Joe Louis. Usyk`s success against Joshua and Fury demonstrates that size isn`t an insurmountable barrier if you possess exceptional skill. Usyk could have fought, succeeded, and competed effectively in any era, even against super-sized heavyweights such as Lennox and Wlad.”
With Anber`s perspective in mind, let`s explore how Usyk might fare in hypothetical encounters against some of the legendary heavyweights of the past. The final verdict in each scenario below is my own opinion, complemented by the insights shared by Russ Anber.
Usyk vs Jack Johnson
Russ Anber`s insight: “Jack Johnson was brilliant; a true ring scientist. He had excellent footwork, hand speed, knockout power, and fantastic defense. He wouldn`t have been an easy target for Usyk because he wouldn`t have stayed in one place to be hit. Johnson was just as nimble on his feet as Usyk, which would make this a very exciting strategic battle. Usyk`s southpaw stance would definitely be a factor here.”
My verdict: Usyk versus Johnson over 12 or 15 rounds? I lean towards Johnson outsmarting Usyk and effectively tying him up – provided the referee enforced the rules of Johnson`s era regarding clinching and grappling, which were much more permissive than today. If the fight were contested over an extreme distance, like 45 rounds, the outcome becomes much less predictable.
Usyk vs Jack Dempsey
Russ Anber`s insight: “Honestly, I think if he were fighting today, Dempsey would likely compete at light-heavyweight. I don`t believe he ever weighed more than 194 lbs, which is below the current cruiserweight limit. While Dempsey did defeat a much larger man in Jess Willard to win the title, Willard didn`t possess the skill level of a Lennox Lewis. If Dempsey faced Usyk, Usyk`s size would pose a real problem for him. Jack was certainly ferocious and always came to fight, but he had limitations. Looking closely at Dempsey`s career, he never fought a black opponent while champion and never beat a truly elite heavyweight. So, I question how he would have handled someone like Usyk, who is 6ft 3ins, 225 lbs, moves like a middleweight, and brings such intensity. Dempsey struggled with Tunney`s agility, and I believe Usyk`s footwork and southpaw style would have completely bewildered him.”
My verdict: As much as I admire Dempsey, I agree with Russ – Usyk would likely be too big and too skilled for the `Manassa Mauler`. Just as Tunney confused him, Usyk`s movement and style would present similar, perhaps greater, challenges.
Usyk vs Gene Tunney
Russ Anber`s insight: “This represents a difficult stylistic matchup for Usyk. Tunney`s skill set sets him apart from other fighters of similar size from the last century. I think Gene is significantly underrated. The way he dominated Dempsey highlighted Tunney`s brilliance and perhaps exposed Dempsey`s one-dimensional approach. Dealing with Tunney`s sophisticated movement and skills would have been a major cerebral challenge for Usyk.”
My verdict: This would be a fight for the purists – Tunney and Usyk are two of the most strategically focused fighters to ever reign at heavyweight. Usyk`s size might give him a slight edge, but if Tunney could leverage modern training methods to bulk up, I`d favor his extraordinary boxing intellect to find a way to win a potential three-fight series, perhaps taking it 2-1.
Usyk vs Joe Louis
Russ Anber`s insight: “Wow – what a fight this would have been! For Usyk to succeed against Joe Louis, he would have needed to rely heavily on his movement. As great as Joe Louis was – and I hold him in high regard – it`s widely acknowledged among boxing observers that fighters who could move gave him problems. Billy Conn and Jersey Joe Walcott, for instance, caused him difficulties, and I believe Usyk could have posed major issues as well. If Joe had a weakness, it was perhaps his relative lack of foot speed. Another potentially decisive factor – and I`m racking my brain to be sure – but I don`t think Joe Louis ever fought a southpaw.”
My verdict: Anber is spot on – Louis never faced a southpaw in a professional bout; it`s even rumored he avoided them after tough sparring sessions with Melio Bettina. Considering this, Usyk`s southpaw stance and elusive style seem perfectly suited to trouble Louis. I would pick Usyk to pull off an upset against the man often considered the second-greatest heavyweight ever.
Usyk vs Rocky Marciano
Russ Anber`s insight: “Remember the night Rocky won the title? Jersey Joe Walcott was ahead on the scorecards and winning the fight. If it had been a 12-round contest, Marciano would have lost. That fight offers a glimpse into the kind of problems Usyk could create for Rocky. However, let`s also not forget that Marciano knew how to relentlessly pressure an opponent, and you could never count him out until the very end. Usyk would need to box circles around him to secure a victory. From a coaching standpoint, Rocky`s habit of constantly crouching to his right wouldn`t fare well against a slick southpaw like Usyk.”
My verdict: Marciano is a fighter often subject to wildly differing assessments. What`s undeniable is that `The Rock` was one of the toughest and most relentless competitors to ever put on gloves. Could Usyk succeed where 45 other men failed across 49 fights? On balance, I believe he could, but the Ukrainian would undoubtedly have to endure immense physical and mental hardship to prevail.
Usyk vs Sonny Liston
Russ Anber`s insight: “This fight would heavily depend on which version of Liston showed up. However, Usyk possesses an incredible ability to find a way to win, and I think he could have done so against Liston, similar to how Ali did. Usyk couldn`t afford to stand and trade punches with Liston, but if he perfectly executed an Ali-like strategy and avoided a toe-to-toe war, he could succeed. I certainly wouldn`t expect Usyk to stand there and let Liston unleash power shots the way he did against Patterson.”
My verdict: A truly unpredictable encounter. The terrifying Sonny Liston of 1960, who demolished Cleveland Williams, Roy Harris, and Zora Folley, would certainly have a chance of stopping Usyk. However, I sense that the Ukrainian`s superior stamina and mental fortitude would ultimately prove decisive over a longer distance.
Usyk vs Muhammad Ali
Russ Anber`s insight: “Stylistically, I think Ali would have been a nightmare matchup for Usyk. Ali`s movement, speed, and defensive prowess would make life extremely difficult for Usyk. Keep in mind, I`m referring to the peak Ali of the mid-1960s, who was a different fighter after returning from his ban and fighting Frazier. The Ali from 1965 or 1966? I don`t believe any heavyweight in history could have defeated him. I just can`t see who could win against him – I admire Louis, I admire Usyk, but Ali at his absolute best, dancing, moving, and hitting opponents at will, you couldn`t touch him. The true, prime Ali – nobody could beat him, probably not even if they fought the fight of their lives.”
My verdict: Peak Ali likely wins on points against Usyk. A slightly faded Ali from the early to mid-1970s might still edge out a points victory, potentially a debatable one, depending on his training camp and dedication.
Usyk vs Joe Frazier
Russ Anber`s insight: “An interesting and dangerous fight for both men. Usyk would somehow need to find a way to win against Frazier`s relentless pressure. If Usyk could effectively use his feet and movement, I believe he could do it. Remember, Frazier never faced the version of Ali who fought Sonny Liston – if Joe had fought that Ali, I don`t think their trilogy would have been as competitive. I don`t believe Frazier could have caught up with that elusive Ali. This would be a very tough fight for Usyk, and he would need to be extremely cautious not to walk into Joe`s devastating left hook.”
My verdict: Usyk prevails in what would be a classic battle, with his superior movement proving the key to navigating Frazier`s relentless attack.
Usyk vs George Foreman
Russ Anber`s insight: “Here`s one champion who didn`t seem bothered by the southpaw stance. Just ask Michael Moorer! Nevertheless, this would be an extremely difficult night for Usyk. At his absolute best, George Foreman could potentially beat any heavyweight who ever lived. I recall discussing this with trainer Marc Ramsay once. We concluded that if boxing had a draft system like ice hockey, where you could select fighters from any era for your stable, our first pick would be George Foreman. With his sheer power, George could defeat anyone. Some argue that if Foreman fought Ali ten times, he`d win nine, and I might agree with that assessment. However, then I consider the great Jimmy Young and how his skill set troubled George, and I think Usyk could potentially emulate that blueprint.”
My verdict: While Foreman`s power commands immense respect, I believe Usyk could effectively tire `Big George` out with his superior footwork, relentless feints, and constant pressure to secure a decision victory.
Usyk vs Larry Holmes
Russ Anber`s insight: “This would be a terrifyingly difficult fight, not just for Usyk, but for almost any fighter who ever lived! Looking at Holmes`s skill set, his remarkable longevity, his heart, and his chin, very few opponents would defeat him when he was at his best.”
My verdict: A prime Larry Holmes likely edges out a prime Usyk, primarily due to his masterful jab and his incredible stamina and resilience.
Usyk vs Evander Holyfield
Russ Anber`s insight: “This is a pick `em fight between arguably the two greatest cruiserweights of all time. However, I lean towards Usyk`s overall superior skill set and defensive capabilities proving decisive.”
My verdict: Holyfield is one of the rare modern heavyweights against whom Usyk would possess a potential size advantage. For his cruiserweight classic against Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1986, `The Real Deal` weighed just 186 lbs (4 lbs below the limit at the time), and even against Mike Tyson a decade later, he scaled only 215 lbs. A peak Holyfield would certainly pose problems for Usyk, but I would favor the Ukrainian to narrowly win a thrilling barnstormer.
Usyk vs Mike Tyson
Russ Anber`s insight: “A tough matchup, and Mike certainly had the style and power to trouble Usyk, especially with his inside fighting pressure, trying to stay right on Usyk`s chest. Usyk would need exceptional footwork to keep away from Mike for 12 rounds; he definitely wouldn`t want to stand directly in front of him. Tyson would be tenacious and perhaps even resort to some roughhouse tactics, but I think he might be surprised by Usyk`s underlying strength. The big question here is, what happens if the fight isn`t going Tyson`s way? How would he adapt and overcome that?”
My verdict: If Usyk could successfully weather the early storm, he possesses the ability to demoralize and potentially stop Tyson in the later rounds. However, the version of Tyson who delivered the brutal knockout against Michael Spinks had the power to do the same to any heavyweight in history, Usyk included.
Usyk vs Lennox Lewis
Russ Anber`s insight: “Believe it or not, I anticipate this being a very competitive and difficult fight, much like Lennox`s encounters against the smaller Evander Holyfield. I really like this matchup. Usyk would definitely present Lennox with some problems. I see this as a closely contested fight – not easy for either man. Lennox`s size wouldn`t necessarily be the deciding factor here; it would come down to which fighter executed their skill set more effectively on the night.”
My verdict: Lennox Lewis likely prevails in a 12-round classic, with his powerful jab and well-timed right uppercuts proving decisive moments in the fight.
Usyk vs Wladimir Klitschko
Russ Anber`s insight: “I feel strongly that Usyk wins this fight, without any hesitation. While I respect Wladimir, he essentially excelled at a few fundamental things very well: bouncing on his toes, using his left hand to probe, and landing his right hand. And that limited approach isn`t enough to defeat Usyk. Klitschko`s predictable style would work against him when facing Usyk. The ability, speed, and variety of Usyk`s combinations leave me completely confident that he beats Wladimir.”
My verdict: Usyk outworks and gradually exhausts Wladimir Klitschko, potentially securing a late-round stoppage victory.
Oliver Croft 
Neville Whittle