Teddy Atlas Breaks Down Usyk vs. Fury Rematch

December 20, 2024
2 months
Teddy Atlas Breaks Down Usyk vs. Fury Rematch

Teddy Atlas gave his insight on the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

The pair face off on December 21 in another heavyweight clash following their classic bout this year. Usyk won the first fight via a split decision to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. He followed in the footsteps of Lennox Lewis, who was the last Undisputed Heavyweight Champion in 1999 when he defeated Evander Holyfield in the rematch. The victory also made Usyk undisputed in a second weight class, taking his record to 22-0. Usyk had every reason to retire, given that he had accomplished everything in the sport. But he vacated his IBF Heavyweight Title, but continued with the rematch. 

Fury suffered the first defeat of his career as he struggled to accept the reality. In his post-fight comments, he felt Usyk got the decision because of Russia’s war with Ukraine. He also referred to Usyk as an amateur boxer after having rewatched the fight. But the Gypsy King has a lot to prove. He has never had to avenge a loss before. The first fight was a bout of two halves. Usyk dominated the opening rounds, taking an early lead in most people’s eyes. 

Fury then fought back in the middle rounds before Usyk finished the fight much stronger, almost stopping Fury in round nine. Usyk overcame a 40-pound weight and eight-inch reach disadvantage as he outboxed Fury in the earlier rounds. He was repeatedly stepping in and out of range, hitting the body, making Fury work. Fury’s success came in the middle rounds when he managed to step in on the inside, back Usyk up and land the uppercut.

Atlas

While he did land the uppercut, Usyk managed to get his feet out of the way to regroup before coming back stronger. There is an argument that Fury should fight on the front foot. Meanwhile, Usyk may have to mix up his game plan, knowing Fury knows what to expect. This is what Atlas had to say about both fighters’ approaches.

“This time, Fury’s gotta make a change. One of two things. He could back him up, not be backed up, back up the smaller guy. Back him up behind the jab at the right range. Or, and I would take the ‘or’ if I’m the trainer, set yourself more. Bend your legs a tiny bit more, grab the floor a little bit, and control range, which you are taller, longer, bigger. Control the range but step off, don’t just move. Be set to punch so it’s not as easy for [Usyk] to come in and feel pressure.

“Now if you’re Usyk, you essentially do the same thing. Looking to pressure, but he’s got options, he’s versatile and dimensional. This time if [Fury] presses, he counter punches…if I was advising Usyk, don’t fall behind this time. Use your jab a little more, press, but use your jab when you’re doing it a little bit more. You did some good bodywork, continue with that bodywork,” Atlas stated 

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