Peter Fury, uncle and former coach of WBC British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs), shared his prediction for a rematch for the WBA Super, IBF and WBO titles in the same weight – August 20 in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) ) the current holder of these belts Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) from Ukraine will fight with their former owner Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) from Great Britain.
The first full-time fight between them took place in September in London (England) – Usyk won by decision of the judges.
Fury claims he has always been a fan of the Ukrainian: “Only now you don’t need to rank me among those who just fell for the hype. I’ve always said that Usyk is very good. He always impressed me, I always knew that he was here seriously and for a long time. He’s not just good. He is naturally talented. And this, believe me, is completely different. He is one of those who can box even in his sleep. He was born for boxing. So for me, he has always been the most real fighter.”
Fury compared Usyk to the legendary Ukrainian heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko: “He boxed differently – the way a big man should box. At the time he was very good. But times are different now. And Usyk is like all-in-one. I’m not saying he’s better. Every era has its heroes. No, I’m not saying it’s definitely better. But he is actually a more well-rounded boxer. This is not a one-trick pony. He knows everything. And he knows when to turn up the heat and when to take his foot off the gas.”
On whether Joshua’s coaching changes will help: “That’s another question. Should help. New coaches – a new way of looking at things. But there is one important point. Let’s say Joshua goes into the fight differently. But Usyk will do the same. He knows what awaits him. So let’s wait for the fight. Yes, theoretically, Joshua can box differently: give free rein to his fists, reduce the distance. But after all, in this case, he will be even more vulnerable, more open, it will be even easier to catch him. I tell you, let’s wait for the fight.”
On Joshua’s psychological problems: “I didn’t like his entry into the ring in the first fight right away. It hardly seemed like the right attitude. He seemed to be standing at the foot of a steep mountain with the thought: “Jesus, and this is what I have to conquer? This is unrealistic.” It is clear that with such an attitude, expect trouble. I think the second fight will be more competitive. It all depends on Joshua. Does he have a chance? Yes, definitely. He’s a big guy, dedicated to his work. But it is important for him not to overdo it. He does not need to keep a thousand and one battle plans in his head. You don’t have to focus on having a perfect fight. So he’s definitely screwed up.”
Fury’s final prediction: “There’s a lot of hype around the fight. I, too, am looking forward to it with great impatience. I think we will get just a phenomenal fight. I want to wish you all the best. And I don’t want to single anyone out. But to be honest, this is a very difficult task for Joshua. So I’m still slightly inclined in favor of Usyk’s victory. But no, I won’t be surprised if Anthony wins. With what attitude should he go into battle? Everything is simple! Throw out everything superfluous from your head: unification, the title of the absolute. Forget that revenge is at stake. Just go out and be yourself!”
Yesterday, Usyk’s promoter said that the champion fights not for money, but for history and Ukraine. During an open training session, the Ukrainian met Bada Jack. They recalled the amateur confrontation, Joshua and Chisora were present: video and photos.
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