Top heavyweight highlights MAJOR issue for Tyson Fury ahead of Usyk rematch

With just over three months remaining until the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, significant discussion continues to swirl around their previous encounter. The first bout, which took place on May 18 in Saudi Arabia, saw Fury suffer his first professional defeat as Usyk secured a dramatic split decision victory. This win made Usyk the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, who last held that title in 1999.

In the initial match, Tyson Fury, known as “The Gypsy King,” seemed on track for a decisive victory. He demonstrated exceptional skill and dominance through the middle rounds, suggesting he was well on his way to maintaining his unbeaten record. However, the tide turned dramatically as Usyk launched a fierce comeback, nearly securing a knockout victory in the final moments of the fight. This dramatic shift in momentum has fueled ongoing debates and analysis in the boxing world.

One critical area of discussion has been the apparent disarray in Fury’s corner during the crucial late rounds of the bout. This issue has been highlighted by Dereck Chisora, a notable heavyweight fighter, who has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Fury’s corner team. According to Chisora, the confusion and panic among Fury’s corner were evident. He observed, “They were all in panic. It wasn’t because there were too many voices; they were all in panic.”

Chisora suggested that the panic stemmed from a realization among Fury’s corner that their fighter was losing the bout. This sense of urgency led to a flurry of advice and instructions, but it appeared that Fury was not heeding the guidance from his head trainer, Javan SugarHill Steward, or from his father, John Fury. Chisora’s comments underline a perceived breakdown in communication and strategy, which may have contributed to Fury’s inability to stabilize the fight and secure a win.

Chisora also pointed to another potential issue that may have impacted Fury’s performance: the significant cut over his eye. This injury was serious enough to cause the postponement of the fight’s original date in February. Chisora believes that the cut was more than just a minor obstacle; it played a crucial role in Fury’s preparation and performance. He asserted, “I don’t think Tyson was 100 percent when he walked into that ring. He had a massive cut, and he didn’t want to get fined for missing the fight. He didn’t spar the way he wanted to, and he was under-prepared for that fight.”

Chisora’s analysis suggests that the cut not only affected Fury’s physical readiness but also his mental state. The injury and subsequent delay may have undermined Fury’s confidence and preparation. According to Chisora, Fury’s lack of confidence was evident, and it contributed to his subdued performance in the early rounds, where he seemed to be “mucking around” rather than fighting with full intensity.

As the rematch approaches, these factors—ranging from corner confusion to the impact of the injury—will likely be critical areas of focus. Fury’s team will need to address these issues to improve their strategy and execution in the upcoming fight. The rematch promises to be a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers, and the lessons learned from their first encounter will be crucial in determining the outcome.