Lebedev: I do not agree that Usyk is the favorite. He cannot punch

WBA cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev breaks down the first fight of the World Boxing Super Series tournament between the Ukrainian Alexander Usyk and the German Marco Huck, which ended by the Usyk’s TKO victory in the 10th round.

- Your impressions?

- The fight ended a little unexpectedly for me. I thought that it would last for 12 rounds. Usyk showed a classy box, everything that the Soviet school is famous for. He looked out a little bit, and then confidently figured out his opponent. Huck? I saw nothing new. He was as usual. Against such a master he does not have enough school, training. He had a chance only for an lucky punch which didn’t happen.

- Do you remember your fight with Huck?

- Of course. I watched this fight with my daughter Olesya and she said: I would like to see you in such a battle. And I say this: I am sure that Usyk has seen my fight with Huck and made conclusions. We are both southpaws, and he did the same thing I did then - he hit him in his ear with a right jab. Each punch shook Hook. Probably I had to thow these punches more often. Usyk counterpunched and scored. Everything was natural, he was in very good shape.

- Many people consider the Ukrainian as the favorite of the tournament. Your opinion?

- I would agree if he had such a punch as Kudryashov did. Then I would say that Alexander is a favorite. But in professional boxing still the main role is played by a punch, and not by skills. I'll be rooting for Usyk and Kudryashov. I wish them the best of luck in this tournament.

- What are the chances of Gassiev?

- Murat is a good boxer. I'll put him as the third favorite and I'll be happy if one of them wins.

- What do you think about the opinion that without you this tournament is not complete?

- I do not participate in the tournament for one reason. When there was a draw, my mother was dying. The day before yesterday it was 40 days, as she is not here. I think there are more important things than tournaments. I spent her last days with her... I want to tell you that the WBA belt is still with me. So I'm waiting for the champion. And to him, whoever this will be, I want to say: come and take my belt. If it works out - I will be happy.