Shannon Briggs Gives Honest Verdict On Fury vs Usyk Rematch: “That’s My Only Question Mark

Shannon Briggs Gives Honest Verdict on Fury vs Usyk Rematch: “That’s My Only Question Mark”

In the world of heavyweight boxing, anticipation is building for a potential rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The first encounter between the two champions is still fresh in the minds of boxing fans, and speculation is rife about how a second fight might unfold. One person who has been vocal about the rematch is former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, known for his no-nonsense opinions and deep knowledge of the sport.

Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Briggs shared his thoughts on how a rematch between Fury and Usyk could play out, pointing to a key factor that he believes could make the difference.

Briggs on Fury vs Usyk: A Clash of Styles

Briggs praised both fighters for their unique skill sets, acknowledging that Fury’s size, power, and unorthodox style make him a formidable opponent, while Usyk’s technical brilliance and movement present challenges for any heavyweight.

“Fury’s a beast, no doubt. He’s got size, reach, and a tricky style that can confuse anyone in the ring,” said Briggs. “But Usyk, man, he’s special. His footwork, the way he controls the pace, it’s like he’s playing chess while everyone else is boxing.”

Despite recognizing Usyk’s talent, Briggs was clear that he sees Fury as the favorite in a rematch. He believes that Fury’s ability to adapt mid-fight and use his physical advantages would likely overpower Usyk, who, though masterful, is still relatively small for the heavyweight division.

The Key Question Mark

However, Shannon Briggs identified one major “question mark” regarding Fury in a potential rematch: his consistency. Over the years, Fury has faced criticism for fluctuating levels of focus and fitness between fights. Although Fury managed to defeat Deontay Wilder in their trilogy and remains undefeated, Briggs pointed out that Fury’s preparation and mindset have occasionally seemed less than ideal.

“My only question mark about Fury is his motivation,” Briggs said. “Fury can be the best fighter in the world, but he needs to show up with the same hunger every time. Sometimes, we’ve seen him come in not 100%, and you can’t do that against a guy like Usyk.”

Briggs noted that Fury’s previous performances against less-threatening opponents showed a lack of discipline, which might be an opening for Usyk to exploit. If Fury were to take Usyk lightly or arrive under-prepared, the Ukrainian champion’s relentless work rate and technical precision could tilt the balance in his favor.

“Fury’s gotta stay sharp, mentally and physically, if he wants to win the rematch,” Briggs continued. “If he’s on his game, I think Fury wins, but if he slacks off even a little, Usyk will capitalize. That’s my only question mark.”

What to Expect in the Rematch

Briggs also emphasized that a rematch would likely be a more tactical affair than the first bout. Usyk, known for his ability to adjust his game plan, would likely come into the fight with a deeper understanding of Fury’s tendencies, having already shared the ring with him.

“Usyk’s a genius in there,” said Briggs. “He’s always thinking, always adjusting. I guarantee you he’ll come in with a new plan. But the problem is, Fury’s unpredictable. You don’t know which Fury will show up.”

Ultimately, Briggs sees the rematch as a battle of two very different approaches to boxing, with Fury’s size and awkwardness clashing against Usyk’s technical brilliance. The outcome, in his eyes, depends entirely on whether Fury can stay motivated and focused.

“If Fury is locked in, I think he wins again. But like I said, that’s my only question mark.”

Looking Ahead

While the details of a Fury-Usyk rematch are still being finalized, the boxing world is already buzzing with anticipation. With opinions like Shannon Briggs’ adding fuel to the debate, fans can only hope that both fighters bring their best when the rematch finally happens. If so, it could go down as one of the most iconic heavyweight contests in recent history.

As the former champion Briggs succinctly put it, “It’s all about who shows up on the night. That’s what makes boxing so great — anything can happen.”