Prediction.

Both fighters have good jabs, but Ilunga has more reach, it will be interesting to see if he can keep Kuzmin at bay with his jab if he tries to. Kuzmin is a good come forward fighter, cuts off the ring well, has power, accuracy, but I think Bakole has every offensive attribute apart from speed, I think Kuzmin is one dimensional, and he'll struggle to adapt if Ilunga pushes him back, but if he can get Ilunga's respect, position his feet, and can stay in the centre of the ring, he can be effective. Kuzmin has a high guard, but Ilunga throws combinations, will punch through his guard, and he throws at awkward angles on the inside, so it's hard to block his shots. I don't think Ilunga is tactically disciplined, can stay in the pocket for too long, leave himself open, take a big shot, he has a good chin, but if he does that in this fight, Kuzmin is good enough to take advantage. Ilunga is strong, relentless, and he can break down an opponent, has great variety, Kuzmin will have to take high volume to head and body if he's on the ropes, but I don't think he can keep up his output for 10 rounds, and if he empties his tank after landing in high volume for a lot of consecutive rounds, Kuzmin is dangerous, and I don't think Ilunga knows how to survive if he's hurt bad, with his inexperience.

I think this will be a competitive fight, Ilunga will be busy with the jab, but won't be able to stop Kuzmin in his tracks with it, Kuzmin will land the counter right hand fairly often, it will be interesting to see how Ilunga takes it, and I can see Kuzmin using his own jab to the head and body, to back Ilunga up, but I think Ilunga will out work him, he'll struggle with the variety of Ilunga, and Ilunga will do a better job of smothering Kuzmin's shots and making it an inside fight, as the fight goes on, will push Kuzmin back, will be varied and relentless, and dominate the late rounds.

I think Ilunga wins a fairly wide UD.