Prediction: Josias Musasa via TKO
Thicknesse’s only real path here is getting the fight to the ground and somehow holding Musasa there. Musasa, however, has shown time and time again that he’s ready for the wrestling. His takedown defense is solid, but even when he does get put on his back, he doesn’t just accept it. He’s constantly working, scrambling, and finding his way back up. Controlling him for long stretches is easier said than done.
On the feet, this is where Musasa takes over. He’s all about power shots, throwing with the kind of intent that makes every exchange dangerous. Yeah, he leaves himself open sometimes, and he can be clipped with counters, but he’s got the chin to absorb it and keep marching forward. More importantly, he doesn’t fade. Even if the finish doesn’t come early, he keeps that same level of aggression deep into the fight, which breaks a lot of guys who can’t handle that pace and pressure.
So while Thicknesse needs a perfect wrestling heavy game to win, Musasa doesn’t have to be perfect. He just has to keep stuffing shots, keep making Thicknesse work, and then let his power and volume do the talking on the feet.