Oleksandr Usyk Could Repeat Roy Jones Jr.’s Career-Ending Mistake With Risky Decision
In a stunning revelation, Oleksandr Usyk has announced his intention to return to the cruiserweight division. After making history in the heavyweight category by becoming the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 and handing Tyson Fury his first-ever defeat, Usyk now seeks to reclaim his former glory at 200 pounds. However, this decision, inspired by dissatisfaction with his current dietary regimen, raises significant concerns. The transition could potentially mirror the career-ending mistake made by boxing legend Roy Jones Jr.
Usyk’s Battle with Heavyweight Diet
Usyk’s disdain for the heavyweight lifestyle is palpable. In a candid interview with 3 Knockdown Rule, he expressed his frustration: “When I start my [heavyweight] training camps, I’m eating all the time. For me, it’s hard, I don’t like it. Three times [per day]. Water, protein, bananas, it’s a lot of food.” This constant struggle with maintaining the necessary weight for the heavyweight division has taken a toll on his mental fortitude, prompting his desire to return to cruiserweight.
“Maybe I can be undisputed for a second time in the cruiserweight division, it’s my plan,” he said.
“When I start my [heavyweight] training camps, I’m eating all the time. For me its hard, I don’t like it. Three times [per day]. Water, protein, bananas, it’s a lot of food,” he added.
The Cruiserweight Comeback Plan;
Usyk’s plan is clear: after his rematch with Tyson Fury in December, he aims to move back down and attempt to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion once again. “Maybe I can be undisputed for a second time in the cruiserweight division, it’s my plan,” he shared. His last cruiserweight bout was in 2018 against Tony Bellew, a fight that solidified his dominance in the division.
“I just think Roy killed himself when he came back down from heavyweight. It’s probably one of the dumbest things he’s ever done. First of all, when you win a heavyweight championship, at 36, 37 years old and losing 20 pounds of muscle, that killed his body,”
The Age Factor and Weight Cut Concerns;
![Oleksandr Usyk](https://combatscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-05-21T121115.032.jpg)
At 37, Usyk faces a formidable challenge. The significant weight cut required to transition from heavyweight to cruiserweight could be detrimental. Modern boxers like Ryan Garcia have openly discussed the negative impacts of weight cutting, attributing losses to being weight-drained. The fear is that Usyk’s performance could suffer similarly, leading to a decline in his boxing prowess.
Lessons from Roy Jones Jr.’s Career;
The cautionary tale of Roy Jones Jr. looms large over Usyk’s decision. Jones, a four-weight division champion, astounded the boxing world by winning the WBA heavyweight title against John Ruiz. However, his subsequent decision to drop back down to light-heavyweight at 34 proved disastrous. After a controversial win over Antonio Tarver, Jones suffered three consecutive losses, two by knockout. His career post-transition was plagued by knockout defeats and diminished reflexes, leading to ten losses in total.
Glen Johnson, the second fighter to defeat Jones, reflected on this in a 2005 ESPN interview: “I just think Roy killed himself when he came back down from heavyweight. It’s probably one of the dumbest things he’s ever done. First of all, when you win a heavyweight championship, at 36, 37 years old and losing 20 pounds of muscle, that killed his body.”
Usyk’s Risky Gamble;
Usyk’s potential move back to cruiserweight is fraught with risk. The Ukrainian boxer’s age and the physical demands of weight cutting could lead to a significant decline in his performance. While Usyk aims to become undisputed in the cruiserweight division once more, the question remains: will he suffer the same fate as Roy Jones Jr., or will he defy the odds and achieve his ambitious goal?
Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions;
The announcement has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among fans and boxing experts. Some believe Usyk’s technical skill and experience could see him succeed, while others fear the weight cut could irreparably harm his career. Social media is buzzing with opinions, with many drawing parallels to Jones’s infamous decision.
One fan tweeted, “Usyk moving back to cruiserweight? Hope he doesn’t end up like Roy Jones Jr. This is risky!”
Another commented, “Usyk’s skills are undeniable, but at 37, this weight cut could be his undoing. Remember Roy Jones Jr.?”
The Future of Usyk’s Career;
As the boxing world watches closely, Usyk’s next moves will be critical. His rematch with Tyson Fury in December is highly anticipated, and his subsequent attempt to reclaim the cruiserweight crown will be one of the most closely followed stories in the sport. Whether he can defy the odds or if this decision will mark the beginning of his downfall remains to be seen.