Oleksandr Usyk’s former trainer believes the unified heavyweight champion will target Tyson Fury’s cuts in their undisputed title fight.
The pair of them fight live on Saturday, May 18 on DAZN PPV, to decide who becomes the first-ever four-belt champion at heavyweight.
While many believe the Ukrainian is vulnerable to bodyshots, there are similar thoughts about Fury’s cuts, having incurred at least two serious gashes above his eyes in previous years - most recently in February.
That led to a three-month delay to the clash with Usyk, and speaking to BoxingScene.com, James Ali Bashir suggested Usyk’s assiduous talents will be crowned by a targeting of those scars.
He said: “If ever there was a guy that was born to box, Oleksandr Usyk is that guy. He’s a dedicated guy; he’s a focused guy; he’s a hands-on guy. He exemplifies courage; stamina; willingness.
“He’s just a game guy. Overall, he’s very, very, very concentrated inside the ring. To box – especially when it’s a big challenge for him, and Tyson Fury is a big challenge to him – this is the kind of fight Oleksandr will get up for because he loves a challenge.
“[His footwork and reflexes] will come into play in this fight. Reflexes; timing; footwork; speed; durability, and his ability to take a punch.
“Oleksandr Usyk is a very strong individual; very, very strong. To be a very, very small heavyweight like he is – he’s very durable. He takes a good punch, and he can deliver a good punch.
“I expect for him to open up one of the many cuts that Tyson Fury has had on him – that he’ll open one or more of those many cuts. He gives a lot of angles; not to mention, he’s boxing him from the southpaw stance. Fury switches a lot, but I don’t think that’s ever helped him.”
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