Usyk turned 39 as the consensus number-one heavyweight in the world and, for many, the leading pound-for-pound fighter of his generation. His résumé is defined by road victories at the highest level, undisputed reigns at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, and a style built on relentless footwork, angles, and adaptability.
Ali, of course, remains the benchmark. His reign through the 1960s and 70s, forged against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier and George Foreman, still defines heavyweight greatness.
What makes the matchup so compelling is how similar and yet different the two are. Both are thinkers first, fighters second. Neither relied on brute force alone and both built their legacies on solving elite opponents in real time.
Ali by experience and instinct
Several voices leaned toward Ali, citing his longevity at heavyweight and his proven success against all-time greats. Boxing News editor Oliver Fennell described the contest as “the highest level of pugilistic chess,” ultimately edging Ali on the grounds that Usyk’s lack of one-punch power might not command Ali’s respect. Historian Patrick Connor echoed that, pointing to Ali’s comfort as a lifelong heavyweight and his ability to navigate every conceivable style.
Former world champion Gary Lockett and commentator Andy Clarke also sided with Ali, predicting a close, tactical fight decided on points. Both emphasized Ali’s competitive will and his knack for finding just enough moments in tight rounds to sway judges.
The modern case for Usyk
Others weren’t so quick to default to history. Adam Smith and analyst Lee Wylie made the strongest arguments for Usyk, focusing on stylistic and structural advantages. As a southpaw with an elite work rate, Usyk presents problems Ali rarely faced. Wylie, in particular, highlighted Ali’s occasional difficulties establishing his jab against Karl Mildenberger, suggesting that Usyk’s feints, rhythm changes and volume would create far greater complications.
Smith also raised the modern factor: today’s conditioning, preparation, and sports science. Matching a peak Usyk against a peak Ali, he argued, might slightly favor the Ukrainian given the margins at elite level.
Verdict: Ali still edges it - just
When the opinions were tallied, the experts leaned toward Ali by a 5–2 margin.
What everyone agreed on was the nature of the fight itself: no knockouts, no easy rounds, just sustained brilliance over twelve or fifteen rounds. A contest defined not by power, but by timing, footwork, and decision-making at the highest possible level.
In other words, a heavyweight fight that would reward thinking as much as punching - and one boxing fans will keep arguing about long after the final bell.
Image Credit: Sidekick Boxing