CARL FROCH doubts Oleksandr Usyk’s rumoured weight gain that will increase his punch power.
Amir Khan caused eyebrows when he claimed Usyk had gained TWO STONE while training for his rematch against Anthony Joshua.
Oleksandr Usyk before his rematch against Anthony Joshua
Froch, 45, stated that Froch might have thought that if he added some weight, his punch would have a greater impact.
"But it's fast punches and timing that hurt the most, because it's often not the weight.
Prince Naseem Hamed was a featherweight and could punch like a heavyweight. Julian Jackson is another example.
"Obviously, there is more weight behind the punch, but an actual punch doesn't come with bigger biceps and bigger lats.
"Usyk is a master, he knows this. He has an honorary degree, and how many masters in Boxing is he?
Joshua, 32 was outclassed by Usyk, 35 over 12 rounds last September, after Usyk weighed in at 15st 11lb.
However, the Ukrainian appeared to have gained weight in the training material for Saturday's rematch in Saudi Arabia.
Froch believes that if the ex-undisputed Cruiserweight King had piled on the weight, it would have occurred naturally.
AJ vs Usyk 2, live stream, and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
He stated, "It's a natural progression. It's a natural development for someone who is 35 years old."
"I gained a little weight when I retired at 36. I now weigh 14 stone.
"I was two stones lighter when I boxed. Where have two stone gone from me now?
"I think Usyk is getting bigger, because he's no longer making cruiserweight.
"He's up to heavyweight and he's eating whatever he wants, which is a good thing.
"So naturally, given his age, his diet, and his training, he will be doing more weights.
"He will be doing more compound exercises such as deadlifts, clean and press, if his strength coach knows what he is doing.
He'll naturally grow bigger. He's likely put one stone on, but not two. It won't be a huge advantage or disadvantage, I think.
Carl Froch, a former world champion and pundit.
