In this holiday edition of Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack, I shove my big candy cane down the Christmas stockings of boxing ignorance and then pull out to shoot loads of milky eggnog all over boxing’s Grinches. This week, we have comments/questions regarding Usyk-Fury 2, Turki’s AI judge, Benavidez vs. Morrell and beyond.
Usyk-Fury 2 Prediction
Magno.
Okay, big man. It’s prediction time. Who do you see winning this Saturday’s heavyweight title fight and how? Personally, I got Usyk doing better this time around and coming on strong earlier. I think Fury will have that fear and respect in him from what happened in the first fight and will fight tighter and more respectful. I’m taking Usyk by a fairly wide unanimous decision, maybe 116-112 twice and a 117-113. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Usyk stopped Fury.
--Jorge
Hey Jorge.
It’s possible that Usyk will do better in the rematch than he did the first time around. I can see that happening. He WILL be coming in with the psychological edge, IMO, and a huge advantage in the eyes of public opinion (which also affects judging). I can also make a case for Fury, though. IMO, Fury had that fight under control and was winning fairly handily until Usyk worked his way back into the contest. I can see a better conditioned, more focused Fury doing for a full twelve what he did for 7-and-a-half in the first fight. It’s a tough call, but I’m betting on the latter and on Fury being able to right his ship and stay on course for enough of the bout to take a close decision. Call me crazy (and people will), but I still question Usyk’s durability and if Fury can test that chin and gut more consistently, we may see an inside-the-distance shocker.
Turki’s Robo-Boxing Judge
Mr. Magno!
I know you must have seen this by now, but “His Excellency” Turki Alalshikh plans on using an AI judge in an unofficial capacity for the Usyk-Fury fight this Saturday. Will this be the first step in changing the way boxing is judged entirely? Will this be a fairer way to score fights than the current way? I know you have to have some thoughts on this.
– Jack T.
Hey Jack.
Turki Alalshikh consistently shows us that he has no more boxing acumen than the average fan. Like a lot of his ideas, this AI judging silliness sounds good on the surface, but is wildly impractical and, ultimately, deadly for the sport. Using artificial intelligence to score fights would not only be a logistical nightmare, but also absolutely rife with possibilities for abuse and corruption. Maybe that’s the end game for him and the Saudis-- own the athletes, control the press, and then “guide” the outcomes of the fights to their benefit. Or maybe this is just a money mark saying and doing things that a money mark would say and do. I know he said that this would be just a trial run and wouldn’t affect the official decision in any way...but, that’s for now. This guy is enamored by his every thought and he has the money-- and now the influence, as well as the obedience of a paid-off media-- to do whatever the hell he wants.
Benavidez vs. Morrell/Beterbiev/Bivol
Hello Magno.
I am hyped as hell about February’s Benavidez-Morrell showdown. I think Benavidez will have too much for Morrell and take a decision. My question is about what happens after that. Benavidez would then be in line to fight the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch for all four belts. How do you think he fares against the winner of that fight? I have some serious doubts.
– Dennis G from SF
Hey Dennis.
I’m stoked for February 1 as well. I agree that Benavidez should beat Morrell, but it’s not a sure thing by any stretch of the imagination. Morrell is “for real” and I believe he has the goods for a run at the elite level. Benavidez, however, may be too much for him right now.
As for Benavidez versus Beterbiev/Bivol? I have my serious doubts. I’d have to see him against some legit light heavyweights to determine whether he’s durable enough to hang with either Beterbiev or Bivol. I don’t think he’ll get his shot at the title anytime soon (despite being named mandatory), so he’ll have his chance to prove himself at 175.
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