The biggest fight of the year is Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, which will take place in a little over a month and should produce boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
The Saudi Arabian superfight wagering is rapidly closing and is essentially a pick ’em situation. Although Fury is still the small favorites’, the big edge that bookies granted him just a few months ago is no longer there.
The former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who was competing in “The Gipsy King’s” debut fight as a professional boxer, took him to the wire in their October encounter. After going down, Fury fought back to win a fiercely contested split decision.
Despite Fury’s 34-0-1 undefeated record in the paid ranks, he received harsh criticism that persists to this day. Carl Froch, the former super middleweight champion, would love to see the heavyweight championships all based in Morecambe, UK, but he is quite worried that Tyson would suffer his first defeat of the fight.
He is a really heavy lift. He has an ideal combat weight, even though I am aware that he doesn’t have to gain weight. He has to lose the breadbasket and the excess fat around his abdomen since, as you can see, he is carrying weight. It’s not helpful; it’s a barrier. Although it’s not necessary to be structurally strong like a weightlifter to perform, having fat around your love handles and belly is not beneficial.
“Once you reach 18 or 19 stone, extra 2 or 3 stone is not beneficial to have. In the rematch with Anthony Joshua, we seen that with [Andy] Ruiz. He gained three more stone in weight, was completely outmatched, and was helpless. Since Tyson Fury is competing for the undisputed heavyweight title, hopefully he can return to his rightful place.
“I hope he shows up and finishes the job, but right now I think Usyk wins that fight. I want those titles back in Britain.”
Carl Froch about Usyk vs. Fury
“2024 is going to be a fantastic year,” he said to talkSPORT. ideally with Fury and Usyk in a close thriller. For no other reason than Tyson Fury’s mental state, I’m going with Usyk in that one.
Frank Warren forecasts heavyweight boxing’s “next big thing.”
“Perhaps Fury can have a successful camp and bring back some of his former glory from his three fights against Deontay Wilder. He always had a fresh appearance and demonstrated something new to us. However, I’m not sure if that still exists. He finds it difficult to release the weight. He doesn’t appear too motivated. Upon facing Ngannou, he appeared bewildered. Has he aged since last night?
