Eddie Hearn Predicts Usyk vs Holyfield and picks the winner

In the world of boxing, fantasy matchups fuel endless debates among fans and experts. One of the most compelling comparisons today is between Oleksandr Usyk and Evander Holyfield—two fighters who conquered the cruiserweight division before rising to rule heavyweight. Recently, renowned promoter Eddie Hearn weighed in on how he thinks such a dream fight would have unfolded. His conclusion? He struggles to see anyone beating Usyk at cruiserweight—even a prime Holyfield.

This prediction has sparked passionate discussions across the boxing community, as both men are regarded among the most complete and resilient fighters of their respective eras.

Evander Holyfield’s Legendary Career

To appreciate the weight of Eddie Hearn’s comments, it is important to understand the legacy of Evander Holyfield. Known as “The Real Deal,” Holyfield built a storied career that spanned over two decades.

• Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion: Holyfield dominated at 200 pounds, cleaning out the division before moving up.

• Heavyweight Success: He then achieved the rare feat of becoming an undisputed heavyweight champion, cementing his place in boxing history.

• Iconic Fights: Holyfield shared the ring with the likes of Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and Riddick Bowe. His bouts were often brutal wars that showcased his grit and granite chin.

• Career Stats: Retiring with 44 wins (29 by knockout) from 57 fights, Holyfield remains one of the most celebrated warriors in the sport.

Holyfield’s relentless pressure, durability, and fighting heart made him a nightmare opponent for anyone. His trilogy with Bowe, battles with Tyson, and technical clashes with Lewis remain among the most memorable moments in heavyweight history.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Modern Dominance

On the other side of the debate stands Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian maestro whose career trajectory mirrors Holyfield’s in striking ways.

• Cruiserweight King: Usyk unified the division to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion, defeating the likes of Murat Gassiev and Mairis Briedis.

• Heavyweight Glory: He then moved up to heavyweight, where many doubted whether his slick style could overcome bigger opponents.

• Historic Wins: Usyk silenced critics by beating Anthony Joshua twice, dethroning Tyson Fury twice, and overcoming Daniel Dubois. In doing so, he became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

• Unique Style: Known for his impeccable footwork, stamina, and ability to break opponents down methodically, Usyk is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical boxers of the modern era.

Like Holyfield, Usyk proved that size and power are not everything at heavyweight. His intelligence, adaptability, and southpaw skillset have made him a puzzle that even the best cannot solve.

Eddie Hearn’s Take on Usyk vs Holyfield

When asked about the potential clash between Usyk and a prime Holyfield, promoter Eddie Hearn offered a detailed perspective.

“Holyfield is one of my favourite fighters,” Hearn said. “And I always said when he was cruiserweight, Usyk against Holyfield at cruiserweight—I just can’t see Usyk losing.”

Hearn acknowledged Holyfield’s greatness but emphasized the stylistic edge Usyk would bring to the fight:

• Holyfield’s Style: Aggressive, relentless, iron-chinned, and constantly pressing forward with high output.

• Usyk’s Style: Calculated, elusive, constantly moving, and breaking opponents down with subtle touches before landing decisive shots.

“Even Holyfield, saying he’s nothing special is harsh, cause he was very special,” Hearn added. “But just style-wise, and what he does with his feet, Holyfield was just so tough, come forward, granite chin, non-stop output. But Usyk is just like break you down, touch, touch, move.”

According to Hearn, Usyk’s technical mastery and adaptability would allow him to neutralize Holyfield’s aggression.

Comparing Their Strengths

To better understand the matchup, it helps to compare the strengths of Usyk and Holyfield side by side.

Evander Holyfield

• Relentless pressure fighter

• Exceptional durability and resilience

• High punch output across all rounds

• Proven against some of the hardest punchers in history

Oleksandr Usyk

• Elite footwork and movement

• Southpaw stance creating constant angles

• Ability to adapt mid-fight

• Methodical breakdown of larger, stronger opponents

The clash would pit Holyfield’s toughness and offensive volume against Usyk’s movement and precision. While Holyfield could drag opponents into wars, Usyk has shown a remarkable ability to avoid prolonged exchanges and impose his rhythm.

The Significance of the Comparison

Eddie Hearn’s prediction is not just about fantasy matchmaking—it highlights the unique qualities of Oleksandr Usyk in today’s boxing landscape. By comparing him to an all-time great like Holyfield, Hearn underscores Usyk’s place in history.

• Historical Parallel: Both fighters became undisputed champions at cruiserweight and heavyweight.

• Test Against Legends: Holyfield fought names like Tyson and Lewis, while Usyk has already beaten Joshua and Fury.

• Legacy Building: Acknowledging Usyk in the same breath as Holyfield elevates his reputation as one of the sport’s modern greats.

What’s Next for Oleksandr Usyk?

As Eddie Hearn makes bold predictions about fantasy fights, fans are also eager to know who Usyk will face next.

• Joseph Parker: Usyk’s current mandatory challenger under the WBO is Parker. However, Parker is already scheduled to fight Fabio Wardley in October.

• Jake Paul Rumors: Surprisingly, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has been floated as a possible opponent. While unlikely, such a bout would generate massive publicity.

• Rest and Recovery: Usyk is currently on the sidelines, waiting for his next move. After his grueling battles with Fury and Joshua, a calculated approach makes sense.

Whoever comes next, Usyk’s dominance ensures his fights remain some of the most anticipated in the sport.

Would Holyfield Really Beat Usyk?

Despite Hearn’s confident prediction, some fans still argue that Holyfield’s pressure style could overwhelm Usyk. After all, Holyfield thrived in wars and proved capable of adjusting to different styles.

However, Usyk has already faced fighters with size, power, and aggression—yet he continues to outmaneuver them. While Holyfield was one of the toughest men to ever step into the ring, Usyk’s ability to dictate pace and exploit openings might indeed give him the upper hand.

In the end, like all fantasy matchups, the debate remains subjective. Both fighters represent greatness in their own era, and comparing them only highlights how special they are.

Conclusion

Eddie Hearn’s bold statement that he “can’t see Usyk losing” to prime Evander Holyfield adds fuel to one of boxing’s most intriguing fantasy matchups. Both men share remarkable parallels—undisputed champions at cruiserweight and heavyweight, elite skills, and legacies built on overcoming challenges.

While Holyfield’s relentless toughness and legendary wars make him an immortal figure in boxing history, Usyk’s technical brilliance and unmatched footwork showcase a new kind of mastery.

Whether or not fans agree with Hearn’s prediction, one thing is clear: both Oleksandr Usyk and Evander Holyfield stand among the greatest fighters ever to step into the ring. And in the endless debates that fuel boxing’s rich history, this fantasy clash will continue to inspire discussion for years to come.