Oliver: Prime Fury Beats Usyk
Spencer Oliver says that the best version of Tyson Fury will defeat Oleksandr Usyk in their December 21 rematch.
Fury lost the first fight in a split decision as Usyk secured the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship. The Ukrainian was the better fighter, having a stronger start and finishing the bout in a much better position. Meanwhile, Fury’s success came in the middle rounds, but he could not press home the advantage.
The turning point in the fight came in the ninth round when Usyk landed a massive right hand to buzz Fury. The Ukrainian followed that up with numerous combinations. The Gypsy King was bouncing off the ropes as Usyk was ready to go for the knockout. But the referee intervened by imposing a standing eight count instead.
That gave Fury time to get out of the round, as he made it to the final bell. The Gypsy King was lucky that was scorecard was in his favor, as most of the boxing community felt that it was a unanimous decision win for the Ukrainian. Since that defeat, several reasons have been put forward as to why Fury did not win the fight.
Fury’s Issues
His coach, Andy Lee, confirmed Fury could not spar due to worries over a cut reopening. The Usyk fight was initially meant to take place in February. However, it was rescheduled for May after Fury suffered a cut in sparring. Lee says the fear of that cut reopening was why Fury did not spar.
There were also suggestions that Fury’s game plan was wrong. He chose to box Usyk on the back foot. This contradicted the pre-fight narrative, as many felt that Fury would have used his physical advantages. The Gypsy King entered the fight around 40 pounds heavier than Usyk, despite being slimmer than he usually is. He also had a seven-inch reach advantage over the Ukrainian, and yet Fury was reluctant to let his hands go. This could change in the rematch since Fury has spoken about doing what he did against Deontay Wilder in the rematch.
Fury suffered a draw in the first Wilder fight. However, in the rematch, he took the fight to Wilder, pushing him back before getting the stoppage. But that will play into Usyk’s hands since he is a master counterpuncher. He demonstrated this when he fought Anthony Joshua twice.
Oliver Reacts
He sat in the pocket against the Brit who was looking to impose his size and will. While Joshua had a good ninth round in the Usyk rematch, the Ukrainian simply upped the gears to get another decision win. But Oliver felt that if Fury could roll back the years and find his best form, then that would be enough for him to secure a win.
“He only has to make slight adjustments. Listen, the best version of Tyson Fury beats the best version of Oleksandr Usyk. I think he has the capabilities of winning that fight. It’s just whether the best version of Tyson Fury is still around. When Tyson Fury lost the fight by one point on one of the scorecards, it was very close on the scorecards. One point separated them both. There’s not huge adjustments that need to be made [for Fury]. Forget changing the team. Andy Lee and Sugarhill Steward are great trainers,” Oliver said
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