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Usyk vs Fury: The Prediction
After 18 months, Usyk vs Fury is finally happening. For the first time in 25 years – barring a draw, of course – there will be an undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World before the weekend is over. The sport’s glamour division will finally have its frontman, and ONE champion will finally be crowned.
Tyson Fury weighed in at 262 pounds. Oleksandr Usyk weighed in at 223 pounds (announced in error at 233). Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing
This is a very difficult fight to predict. Here are some important factors to consider:
Usyk's Advantages:
Oleksandr Usyk's footwork is unsurpassed. Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing
- Superior Speed and Footwork: Usyk's movement is exceptional. He can frustrate Fury with his agility.
- Technical Brilliance: Usyk's southpaw stance and sharp counterpunching could trouble Fury.
- Stamina: Usyk has a history of maintaining a high pace throughout the fight.
Fury's Advantages:
Tyson Fury works with trainer Sugarhill Steward this week in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing
- Size and Reach: Fury's massive frame gives him a significant reach advantage.
- Power: Fury carries knockout power in both hands.
- Experience in Big Fights: Fury has thrived under the pressure of major championship bouts.
The X-Factors:
Tyson Fury appeared ill-prepared to go ten rounds with Francis Ngannou. He's in better shape for his fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank via Getty Images
- Fury's Conditioning: Fury has struggled with weight in the past. Will he be in peak shape? He is coming in at a very aggressive weight at 262 pounds, and he looks better than he did in his last fight.
- Fury’s Last Performance: Was it a fluke, or did time finally catch him? He looked horrendous and slow in an uninspiring performance against mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou.
Oleksandr Usyk unified the cruiserweight division and is perhaps the top cruiserweight of all time. He is small for the modern heavyweight division.
- Usyk's Ability to Handle Fury's Size: Can Usyk avoid getting pinned down and pushed around by Fury's considerable size advantage? Usyk is weighing a career-high 223 pounds to combat this and looks physically capable.
Usyk vs Fury Prediction:
Who will walk away with all four belts as the undisputed unified heavyweight champion of the world on Saturday in Riyadh? Usyk or Fury? Photo: Riyadh Season
This is a close fight. It could easily go to Usyk. That being said, a prediction must be made.
- Fury by Late KO: Fury will land the big shot and use his considerable height and reach advantage to wear Usyk down, a knockout late is the prediction.
