There was a time when I wasn’t certain I’d be saying this but Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk is almost here. This Saturday in Saudi Arabia, boxing will have an undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time since Lennox Lewis in 1999 and what an occasion it promises to be.
Tyson Fury, the WBC champion, the man who shocked the world in 2015 when defeating Wladimir Klitschko. The same fighter who went to America three times for a brilliant trilogy with Deontay Wilder and now he can become the man who can hold all four belts.
Trying to prevent him from doing that is Oleksandr Usyk. Everyone is aware that this is a fighter I know very well after our own undisputed battle in 2018 and what an addition he’s been to the heavyweight scene thanks to his two wins over Anthony Joshua.
My life in boxing means that even in retirement the sport has never left me and I’m still fortunate to give my take on the sport in various capacities. One question I’m always asked focuses on Usyk and what it’s like to be in the ring with him.
When I fought him nearly six years ago, I had a small idea of what to expect but when you’re in the ring with him, it’s totally different. His brain and feet are on another level to pretty much anything I’ve ever encountered and don’t forget that I was an amateur who went all around the world sparring boxers from some of the most decorated countries.
You never feel fully in control with Usyk, and I’ve always believed that being able to fight calmly when under pressure is one of the biggest assets a fighter can have. His slight movement with the feet and his feints always have you thinking and his ability to set traps you don't even see coming is something else.
In Fury, Usyk will have a big problem to solve because Fury is also an intelligent fighter and if he uses his size the way he should, he can cause Usyk some serious issues.
Fury’s ability to fight from both stances and his movement for such a big man means that he can also make his opponents think non-stop. If you want another example of his variety then look at his fight with Klitschko where he essentially bullied the veteran champion.
Fury’s versatility is a major strength because we can look at various stages of his career and see that he can always find a way to win. Bulldozing Wilder, wrestling with Klitschko, overcoming cuts and knockdowns, this is a fighter who always finds a way, but I’m not sure that happens against Usyk.
Fury has shown he can be hit, and hurt, by boxers nowhere near the level of Usyk and that’s a concern against a man who is so accurate. Fury will push on and try to impose his size and strength, but I just see Usyk being too good and winning on the scorecards to add another impressive addition to his already incredible record. As long as there's no controversy from officials, this is Usyk's fight on points.
Live on DAZN PPV: Fury vs. Usyk on May 18. Click here for details.