The date for the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk undisputed world heavyweight title fight is not yet known, but that hasn't stopped fans and pundits alike from offering their predictions for the highly anticipated bout.
Fury is fresh off an underwhelming fight against MMA star Francis Ngannou, in which Ngannou managed to knock the current WBC titleholder to the canvas. While Fury picked himself up and did enough to earn a split decision victory, the relative ease by which former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou was able to transition to a boxing match with the undefeated Briton was unexpected, and has many wondering whether Fury should be taking on WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO champion Usyk so soon.
Bermane Stiverne isn't among those who doubt Fury, though. Stiverne, himself a former WBC heavyweight champion, says Fury's physical gifts will be too much for Usyk to handle when the men eventually square off.
"That Fury-Usyk fight is an interesting one but I’m going with Tyson Fury because he is the bigger fighter," Stiverne told Casino Canada.
"Tyson fights like a super middleweight, he is this big tall giant who can fight, move and is awkward.
"It’s like having Floyd Mayweather but with a seven-foot fighter.
"It’s not easy to fight Tyson Fury because of his style, he knows how to box.
"He’s also huge physically so I have to go with Fury due to what he can do."
While Stiverne leans towards a Fury victory, he doesn't think it'll be easy for the 35-year-old and he predicts that Usyk will be able to go the distance.
"Don’t get me wrong, Usyk as an amateur I remember that he was very good and athletic but Oleksandr Usyk is not a real heavyweight though," he said.
"I think because of Usyk’s ability, I don’t think he will get hit or hurt much so I think Fury wins by decision."