In a recent interview with The Sunday Gleaner, Jamaican heavyweight contender Ricardo 'Big 12' Brown praised Oleksandr Usyk as the undisputed best heavyweight boxer globally. Following Usyk's unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in their rematch on December 21 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Brown emphasized Usyk's exceptional skills and strategic prowess. Despite Fury's physical advantages in height, weight, and reach, Usyk's tactical brilliance and deceptive speed made him an elusive target. The judges scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Usyk, confirming his dominance. This win solidified Usyk's status as the top heavyweight boxer, while Fury acknowledged the result more gracefully this time.

The Tactical Triumph of Usyk

Usyk's second triumph over Fury showcased not only his superior boxing skills but also his tactical acumen. The Ukrainian fighter utilized his southpaw stance to create confusion and maintained a high level of activity throughout the fight. His ability to adapt and outmaneuver Fury was evident, especially in the later rounds when he landed several effective punches. Although Fury had the physical edge, Usyk's strategy proved far more decisive.

Brown highlighted Usyk's deceptive style and powerful punching ability during their sparring sessions. He noted that Usyk's right jab and left hooks were particularly damaging. In the rematch, Usyk dominated the second half, capitalizing on Fury's lack of jab usage. Fury managed to land some early blows, but they weren't strong enough to affect Usyk significantly. Conversely, Usyk troubled Fury with precise strikes to both head and body, ultimately securing a comfortable victory. The judges' scores reflected Usyk's consistent performance, agreeing on his superiority in most rounds.

Brown's Aspirations and Insights

Ricardo 'Big 12' Brown, now based in Canada, aims for a breakthrough year in 2025. Having been part of Usyk's camp during their first encounter, Brown offered valuable insights into the champion's abilities. He described Usyk as a formidable opponent whose deceptive style and southpaw stance make him exceptionally difficult to combat. Brown's firsthand experience through sparring sessions revealed Usyk's underrated punching power and technical proficiency.

Brown observed that Usyk's dominance stemmed from his tactical approach and relentless effort. While Fury possessed significant physical advantages, including height, weight, and reach, these factors did not influence the outcome. Usyk's agility and evasiveness neutralized Fury's attempts to dominate at close range. Brown emphasized that Usyk's cautious yet effective strategy allowed him to stay ahead on the scorecards. After the fight, Usyk expressed his desire to take a break and spend time with his family in California. The financial rewards were substantial, with Usyk earning approximately US$105 million and Fury receiving US$84 million. Overall, Usyk's performance unequivocally established him as the world's top heavyweight boxer.