Usyk vs Kabayel is being looked at for after this weekend in a time where super fights are being made in boxing.
Not long ago Canelo Alvarez fought Terence Crawford in a major super fight in the sport that was both a commercial and sporting success.
This is the standard of matchmaking the consumer now expects in boxing going forward.
Kabayel is a solid heavyweight and has come a long way but some notes on this and more to put into context for those new to boxing at the moment as the sport expands to new audiences:
- Usyk is a highly mobile southpaw with elite footwork, angles, and ring IQ.
- Kabayel is an orthodox pressure fighter who excels at body punching and closing distance.
- Kabayel’s relentless body attack could target Usyk’s known vulnerability to shots downstairs.
- Usyk’s superior lateral movement and pivots should allow him to out-angle and frustrate Kabayel we think.
- Kabayel has good power and a high KO rate, but slower feet compared to Usyk’s speed.
- Usyk’s jab and counter-punching from range could neutralize Kabayel’s pressure style.
- Kabayel is compact and tough, but lacks the height and reach to trouble elite movers like Usyk.
- Usyk dominates on the outside and in exchanges due to better hand speed and accuracy, in such a fight, we think.
- Kabayel’s best chance is making it a dirty inside fight and landing sustained body shots.
- Overall, Usyk’s technical superiority and experience against top heavyweights make this a clear mismatch in his favor.
Why this fight should not happen / is too easy for Usyk:
- Kabayel is a solid contender, but lacks the star power and size to be a big-money opponent for Usyk.
- Usyk (now 39) would be fighting a smaller, less mobile opponent instead of bigger threats.
- The fight offers low commercial upside compared to Fury rematch or other big names.
- Many see it as a stay-busy or mandatory fight that adds little to Usyk’s legacy.
- Usyk’s skill edge is considered too wide — most experts expect a comfortable decision or late stoppage.
- It risks looking like cherry-picking after Usyk already beat bigger men like Joshua, Fury, and Dubois.
That’s where we are at with this fight, who knows, it possibly won’t happen anyway.
After Usyk comes through Rico this weekend people will want to see him in dangerous, challenging fights again.
