Johnny Nelson’s recent commentary casts a long shadow of doubt over Tyson Fury’s performance in his latest bout against newcomer Francis Ngannou. Nelson suggests that Fury, known for his nimble footwork and solid defense, may have lost the core of his boxing prowess—his legs. This speculation arises after Fury’s lackluster display, which many attribute to inadequate training or the wear of time on his body.
The anticipation for Fury’s next fight is now tinged with skepticism. The WBC heavyweight champion will face IBF/WBA/WBO titleholder Oleksandr Usyk in February. This upcoming clash is set to reveal much about the condition of Fury’s fabled legs.
Experts believe that Fury’s prep for the Ngannou fight was marred by a focus on crash dieting rather than honing his ringcraft. The physical toll was apparent: an atrophied upper body coupled with a less than stellar midsection, sparking concerns that Fury’s camp was more of a “fat farm” than a crucible for boxing excellence.
The cacophony of “yes-men” in his corner has not gone unnoticed. Nelson points to Fury’s brother Shane’s criticism of the camp’s echo chamber, which shields the champ from hard truths. This, alongside Fury’s ban on certain media outlets, paints a picture of a fighter reluctant to accept critique, a dangerous trait for someone in such a high-stakes profession.
Nelson, not mincing words, argues that Fury’s past successes, such as his wins since 2018—including a controversial split decision after a dramatic twelfth-round against Deontay Wilder—have been aided by lenient officiating and less challenging opponents. As Fury prepares for his showdown with Usyk, the boxing world watches with bated breath, wondering if we are witnessing the twilight of Tyson Fury’s illustrious career in the ring.
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