Former world champion Ricky Hatton thinks Oleksandr Usyk will not pay too much attention to Tyson Fury’s previous cuts.
Fury suffered a serious cut against Otto Wallin in 2019, but still fought his way to victory, and earlier this year a cut above his eye led to a three-month delay to his fight with Usyk.
The pair will finally meet on Saturday, May 18 on DAZN PPV, with the winner crowned the first-ever undisputed champion of the four-belt era.
Some have speculated on whether Usyk will look to open up the scar tissue Fury sports after a couple of decades in the ring, but speaking to Lord Ping, Hatton thought Usyk would not incorporate it into his strategy, though he would take advantage should an opportunity come his way.
“It’s possible that Usyk may target the cut Tyson suffered, but it would have had enough time to heal," said Hatton.
"Fury would have had the best possible people looking at that injury to make sure that he’s recovering well. I’m not too concerned by it to be honest with you.
“Usyk might be looking to open it up. He could get lucky if it splits open again in the fight, so I think he’ll stick to his gameplan and, if the cut opens up, then that is a bonus for him.
“Worst case scenario and the cut opens and blood starts pouring out, I don’t think it would make much of a difference because so much is on the line. I can’t see the fight getting stopped because of it – Tyson’s eyeball would have to be hanging out for that to happen. Could you imagine the reaction from the crowd if the fight gets stopped? We’ve been waiting far too long for this for that to happen.
“I’m not concerned about the cut, I’m just delighted that the fight is finally happening.”
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