Inside the Max Schmelling Halle in Berlin, Germany, the name “Huck” was vociferous in all directions but so, too, was the relentless attack of one Alexander Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs) as he stopped Marco Huck (40-5-1, 27 KOs) in the 10th round to open the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight tournament.
Neither man is known to be a particularly fast starter. Usyk, the WBO Cruiserweight titleholder, pumped out his jab, it worked as a metronome throughout. Huck’s high guard protected him from any incoming offense save for a right hook from the Ukrainian that wrapped around his left glove.
Huck only managed to land a clubbing right after clinging onto Usyk’s head with his offhand.
Usyk returned the favor in the second stanza. His combinations began flowing like only his do—hellish left uppercuts followed by slashing right hooks.
Huck was desperate to get something going in Round 3. He charged forward in a pell-mell, delivering a massive headbutt to get out of the corner. In the next period, Huck attempted stiff-arming his man, but Usyk simply ducked his head and plugged a right and a left into the German’s midsection.
The punches never stopped flying from both sides. Some prettier than others. The bell to mark the end of the fifth round coincided with a right cross from Usyk to Huck’s nose.
Huck initiated more wrestling in Rounds 6 and 7. But Usyk avoided any real damage. The former gold medalist dashed in and out, to and fro, with an array of fancy punches.
Usyk did touch the canvas in the eighth, not from a punch but a loss off balance. Huck took the opportunity to take a swipe at the kneeling Ukrainian and referee Robert Byrd quickly deducted a point.
Byrd jumped in again two minutes into the 10th round. Huck was unable to return any offense while Usyk drummed his head with what seemed like bricks.
Huck did not earn a single minute of the bout. Usyk extended his perfect record and turned in a statement victory following some minor adversity against an impassioned Michael Hunter in April.
Next for the WBO champion is the winner of September’s bruiser between Mairis Briedis and Mike Perez—both real punchers.
The cruiserweight tourney may just have started, but with a performance like Usyk’s, the entire thing seems all but over with.
All photos by World Boxing Super Series
