Ivan Dychko vs. Jermaine Franklin Jr.: Preview & Betting Tips

The undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford features a fascinating clash of styles at heavyweight when Ivan Dychko meets Jermaine Franklin Jr.

At 6ft9, Dychko (15-0, 14 KO’s) is a towering presence in the ring with a knockout ratio that speaks for itself. The Kazakh, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, brings extensive amateur pedigree and has sharpened his skills as a sparring partner for elite champions like Wladimir Klitschko, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder.

Franklin Jr (23-2, 15 KO’s) is no stranger to high-profile opposition. He pushed Dillian Whyte to a close decision in 2022 and gave Anthony Joshua valuable rounds in 2023. He is durable, crafty, and comfortable fighting off the back foot. He has also shown he can hang with world-level heavyweights even if he lacks fight-ending power at the top level.

Tale of the Tape

Ivan Dychko – Odds 1.91 

Record: 15-0, 14 KO’s

Age: 35

Height: 6ft9

Reach: N/A

Weight: Heavyweight

Stance: Orthodox 

Jermaine Franklin Jr – Odds 1.91 

Record: 23-2, 15 KO’s

Age: 31

Height: 6ft2

Reach: 77”

Weight: Heavyweight 

Stance: OrthodoxIvan

Dychko vs Jermaine Franklin Jr: Analysis

Dychko’s strengths are obvious, he has height, reach, and fight-ending power. His jab is a weapon to control range, and his right hand can put opponents away very quickly. His style is built around a stiff jab to control range and a crushing right hand, and against Franklin, he’ll have a massive physical advantage.

Franklin’s experience against top opposition makes him the most seasoned opponent of Dychko’s career. If the Kazakh struggles to impose his size or tires in the later rounds, Franklin has the tools to steal rounds and potentially even spring the upset, which in truth wouldn’t be that big of a surprise.

The American will need to box smart by slipping inside Dychko’s jab and dragging the fight into the later rounds where the Kazakh has never truly been tested. But that’s easier said than done when you’re facing a gigantic man with bone crushing power in both hands.

Dychko vs Franklin Jr: Prediction & Betting Tips

This fight is about whether Franklin’s durability can outlast Dychko’s firepower. Franklin will likely box smart, keep his guard high, and look to counter inside. But at some point, he will have to deal with the Kazakh’s size and power, something Joshua and Whyte, both smaller than Dychko, were able to manage more comfortably.

The expectation is that Franklin gives Dychko rounds, but not the full twelve. The Kazakh giant may have to work harder than ever before, but eventually his power should break Franklin down. 

Whenever you get a monstrous puncher at odds over 2/1 in a genuine 50-50 fight, you can’t not take that. I’m willing to take Ivan Dychko to win by KO/TKO at odds of 4.20.