Get the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing by signing up for our free sports newsletter
For all the latest news, sign up for our free sports email
Despite the complexity of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s skill sets and tactical approaches, some observers simply believe the Briton’s size will be the deciding factor on Saturday.
As reductive as it may sound, there’s a good chance it’s true. Some of those offering this prediction believe that Usyk is a slightly slicker boxer, but the technical advantage the southpaw has is not to be believed by Fury’s 6’6” height (6’9”). Some have even suggested that it would be negated by his 85-inch reach and 262-pound weight. All of this outweighs Usyk’s 6-foot-3, 78-inch, 223-pound frame.
We may not know the truth until the first bell rings in Saudi Arabia, but the reason so many pundits are making it 50-50 for an undisputed heavyweight title fight is that both boxers are fast; Because they are smart, creative, adaptable, and open-minded. . Then there’s the fact that the 35-year-old Brit and the 37-year-old Ukrainian are both champions and undefeated.
But it’s because of these common properties that some predictions rely heavily on Fury’s size advantage. This, along with the aforementioned contrasting stances (Fury switches but usually stands orthodox, Usyk usually fights southpaw), is one of the few clear factors that differentiate the champions. Perhaps Fury’s size will allow him to knock out Usyk, survive Ukraine’s toughest attacks, lean on Usyk, and wear him down.
But while Fury weighed in at Friday’s weigh-in to be about 40 pounds more than Usyk, the Briton is significantly lighter than his career-high 277.7 pounds, which he narrowly defeated Francis Ngannou in October. Usyk, on the other hand, has consistently tipped the scales at just over 220 pounds since moving up to heavyweight (originally incorrectly read as 233.5 pounds as of Friday). Has Fury slimmed down to remain mobile against a smaller man who many expect to be lighter on his feet than the Brit?
Former world champion Barry Jones said at the weigh-in: independent person: “I think you weigh too much. Weight teeth It’s important because the big guy is needs In order to grow, you need to be able to move. Also, carrying your weight towards the end of the round will drain your strength. But ultimately it will be about who gets it right tactically and whether Fury can establish his jab. If that doesn’t happen, and Usyk can get under that long reach and apply pressure, then Fury will need to be used more reactively. But Usyk can’t bully Fury. ”
George Groves, himself a former world champion, said: independent person: “Fury is lighter, and that makes sense for him. He’s agile and light on his feet, and he may want to continue fighting at long range. But no matter what weight Usyk comes in, I would also believe that Usyk can hurt Fury. Fury has shown weakness in the past, having to get off the floor to win. Usyk is not a monster puncher. But he delivers powerful, accurate and technically sound shots that have stopped many fighters. He doesn’t usually finish with one punch, but he breaks you down. That’s his plan against Fury. He may be expecting Fury to come off the floor.”
Richie Woodhall, WBC super middleweight champion from 1998 to 1999, added: To compete with Usyk, he has to be pretty light on his feet. Even if Fury is slow on his feet because he’s up against a phenom who is very quick on his feet…but Tyson has very good feet for his size.The biggest opponent Usyk fought was Derek Chisora. [255.5lb]and Usyk wrestled with him. Usyk won, but by a close margin. Tyson is heavier than that. ”
Earlier in the evening, Olympic medalist Fraser Clarke said: [the weight]. Whatever Tyson’s weight is, he’s still nearly a third heavier than Usyk, so I’m not sure how much it matters. Fury is still huge compared to Usyk.
“Maybe it’s tactically important, but even if you’re relying on someone else and you’re at the top, same weightI get tired. [But having that extra weight] Affects speed, footing, and timing. It’s like carrying a bag of sugar on your back.But Fury may be built for speed. and Power. “
Earlier in the day, Clark sat at a table with Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield (who last fought in a undisputed heavyweight title fight in 1999), and Larry Holmes and Roberto Duran.
“We asked everyone who would win and we got four different answers,” Clark laughed. “If they don’t know and are on guard, we’re all in the dark. They’re the masters. But for an undisputed fight, that’s exactly how it should be.”