Holyfield Gives Usyk A Chance Of Beating Fury, The Ukrainian Could Retire After The Fight

In the latest boxing news, Evander Holyfield has given Oleksandr Usyk a more than capable chance of beating Tyson Fury. 

The two boxers have agreed a deal to face each other for the undisputed heavyweight championship, which will give fans the first once since 1999. That is when Lennox Lewis beat Holyfield to achieve that feat. 

The fight had been expected to take place on December 23rd, 2023. However, after Fury’s tough win over Francis Ngannou, the bout was moved to take place sometime next year.

Both fighters, then, arrive into the fight with unconvincing performances as Usyk had to overcome a debatable low blow to get off the canvas in round five to beat Daniel Dubois. 

And given that Holyfield has managed to be undisputed at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, the former world champion is in a position in the know when it comes to calling a fight of such magnitude. In response, Holyfield felt Usyk could pull off a win. 

Holyfield On Usyk

“It should be a great fight and hand speed will be crucial. Who can get off the most punches. Usyk has got a lot going for him and he is left handed. Fury has done so well so many times and styles make fights. When a person who fights a big man, is quicker and can take big shots you can win. Yet if you get hit it may be over. Life is about not quitting. I truly believe Usyk has that no quit mentality, so he is going to be in there. A fine balance for this one,” Holyfield stated 

And given that Usyk is at the age of 36, the boxer may not get another opportunity to create history on this scale. The Ukrainian has spoken about the pressure being on Fury, given that he has already achieved undisputed when it comes to his accomplishments at cruiserweight.

Usyk’s Plans

In addition, the unified heavyweight champion has already outlined his plans for where he hopes to go after facing Fury. Reports have previously indicated that Usyk signed a deal to join Ukrainian football team FC Polissya on a one-year deal. 

“Oleksandr Usyk has now officially signed for Ukrainian Premier League football team FC Polissya on a one-year pro contract. Boxing’s WBA, IBF & WBO heavyweight world champion came on as a substitute for the club in a friendly last year and could now play for them professionally,” Michael Benson said 

And provided that the Ukrainian overcomes Fury, the plans are to walk away from the sport to focus on football. His following comments confirmed as much. 

“I win and then I go and play football. I have a contract signed with the number one football team [in Ukraine], Polissya number one,” Usyk stated 

So, moving forward, it is a crucial period for Usyk. A win over Fury would cap off a remarkable career and put the Ukrainian down as one of the best of all time. And come fight night, both will be ready to create history.

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