Fury Couldn’t Spar For The Usyk Fight – ‘It Encouraged Usyk’

Tyson Fury’s coach, Andy Lee, said that his fighter was not able to spar in the build-up to the Oleksandr Usyk fight.
Fury suffered a split decision loss as Usyk became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. It was the first time that Fury had been defeated. Coming into the fight, the Gypsy King reassured everyone that his preparation was on point. He was also praised for his physique, with Fury coming in leaner than he usually would. However, the original fight date was rescheduled after Fury suffered a cut over his right eye in sparring.
This meant that the original day in February was moved to May. The cut reportedly would take around three months or more to heal fully, leaving questions about whether Fury would have been ready for the fight. However, the cut ended up healing. While it did not become a factor in the bout, Fury was ultimately dominated. Usyk was the better fighter in the earlier rounds, finishing strongly at the back end.
Lee On Fury
Fury’s main success came in the middle rounds, but the Ukrainian almost knocked him out in the ninth round, only for the referee to impose a standing eight count. However, Lee has now confirmed that Fury’s preparation was disrupted since he was not able to spar for fear of the cut reopening. If that is the case, then Lee will fancy his fighter to do much better in the rematch. They will square off on December 21. It will not be for undisputed after Usyk vacated his IBF belt. Daniel Dubois took that belt, knocking Anthony Joshua out to retain it. Lee expects to see a different Tyson Fury coming into the rematch.
“Fights are won and lost in the training and preparation. Because of the rearranged and rescheduled fight due to a cut, Tyson couldn’t spar in the camp. The conditioning, sharpness and your ability to concentrate to stay ready and to sustain attacks. When Tyson would have success in the fight, he would have to back away and look to rest to build up his energy again before mounting his next attack. In the meantime, it encouraged Usyk to come forward and gave him the emphasis to go forward to take it now because ‘I’m taking a break.’ It’ll be different because he’ll be able to spar,” Lee said
Will It Be Different?
Nevertheless, it is important to consider the following points. Those comments could simply be used to move attention away from how Fury faded in the fight. He had talked up a big game, stating that he would retire if he came out second best. He also repeatedly referred to the Ukrainian as a blown-up cruiserweight and a rabbit, talking down his opponent’s skills. Fury also had a 40-pound advantage and a seven-inch reach advantage. But the Ukrainian was able to negate those disadvantages and dominate his man.
Even if Fury spars and fights on the front foot, there is a danger that he will play into Usyk’s hands. Usyk is a master counterpuncher, known for picking his opponents off. If Fury continues to come forward, he risks giving Usyk a much bigger target to hit. Usyk had also shown that he could hold his own in his clinches. This is pivotal if Fury tries to lean on Usyk, much like he did against Deontay Wilder in their second fight. But if Fury’s preparation is on point, he will back himself to come out victorious. But the question is whether Fury can back up his words come fight night.
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