The last big boxing fight of 2024 is just around the corner, and with the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury about to take place in Saudi Arabia, the biggest experts are beginning to point to their favorite for this fight.
Fury, 36, suffered the first defeat of his professional career in May this year when Usyk claimed a split decision victory, and thus become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since the era of Lennox Lewis in the late 1990s.
The Ukrainian added the WBC world championship belt that was held by Fury, to the ones he already had (WBA, WBO, IBF).
Now, Tyson Fury is willing to get his belt back, and add the collection held by Usyk four days before Christmas in the same venue where he lost seven months ago, the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
However, several fellow professionals have questioned the Gypsy King’s ability to overcome his fierce foe, The Mirror reported.
Anthony Joshua gives his prediction for Usyk vs Fury rematch
One of Fury’s former rivals, Britain’s Anthony Joshua, told Queensberry Promotions that Oleksandr Usykwill overcome Fury once again, explaining that, “I think it’s going to be a tough fight from the beginning, but then I feel like Usyk will outbox him again. I think Usyk is one of the best out there. That’s why I think he’ll win.”
Meanwhile, the WBC cruiserweight champion, Tony Bellew, who felt the full force of Usyk during an eighth-round knockout loss in 2018, initially favoured Usyk to win the previous fight in May, explaining that he fights smart with his opponent’s footwork.
“What is the style that Fury fights with the most? A fighter with the back foot. Usyk wants you to attack him. He makes a fool of you. He won’t let Fury. There is no other choice but to attack him, because he will get an early advantage,” Bellew explained.
Fury will be chasing a ghost.
“Fury is not going to run after Usyk like a madman because that would be playing into his hands, but there are times when he will have to press and that’s where he will fall short. Usyk’s footwork is exceptional,” Bellew added. “I’ve never seen footwork like his.”
Lennox Lewis praises Usyk’s boxing style
Former heavyweight champion in the 1990s, Britain’s Lennox Lewis, joined the predictions for this weekend’s fight, and was another one of those who favours the Ukrainian fighter.
“Well, I can’t go against Usyk. Oleksandr Usyk has proven himself time and time again, and he’s still undefeated,” Lewis told Droeks on Boxing. “It really comes down to who boxes better. Who’s smart in the ring. I don’t think Tyson Fury was smart in the first fight. I think he played too much and allowed Oleksandr Usyk to score a lot of points.
“Usyk is a tough opponent. He moves all the time, always throws punches, he’s in great shape and that’s hard to overcome,” Lewis explained.
Read the full article here
