Promoter Eddie Hearn believes WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will fight off his back foot and box his way to victory over IBF/WBA/WBO champ Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
Hearn has noted Fury's “nervous-looking” demeanor leading up to the fight and views it as a positive sign.
“I think he’s at his best when he is nervous. If you look at his fights with Wilder. I think he would have been nervous in that fight and Klitschko, the same. Those are his best performances,” Hearn said, adding that Fury’s weight loss suggests he plans to move more in this fight.
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Hearn’s optimism may be influenced by his desire to set up a mega-fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua.
“It’s not just the case of ‘Just walk him down and beat him up.’ That’s how Usyk will make you pay. Usyk will use that little square within the square to pivot out and pick shots. His work rate is really good. Fury is coming in light, which would suggest that he’s looking to move in this fight, and I think Fury will fight off the back foot against Usyk.”
Despite Hearn’s predictions, many boxing fans are skeptical of Fury’s ability to outmaneuver Usyk, given Fury’s recent performances and the physical challenges of moving up in weight. Critics argue that Fury may struggle against Usyk's precision punching. Hearn acknowledges the difficulty but remains confident in Fury’s adaptability, especially under pressure.
Ultimately, the fight’s outcome will hinge on whether Fury can effectively implement his revised strategy against the skilled and agile Usyk.
“If Tyson Fury is still Tyson Fury and in the shape of his life, he’ll win this fight.”
Image Credit: DAZN