Usyk vs. Fury: Derek Chisora makes bold fight prediction
Photo: Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will fight in 2024 (RBС-Ukraine collage)
Former heavyweight championship contender Derek Chisora has chosen his favorite for the upcoming clash between Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk and British boxer Tyson Fury in the battle for the title of undisputed world champion, reports BoxingScene.
Usyk vs. Fury fight is scheduled for February 17 at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena in the Arabian capital. The Ukrainian and British boxers, holding crucial belts including WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, and WBC, will compete for the undisputed world champion title.
“I would pick Tyson Fury to beat Oleksandr Usyk, but if it’s the same Fury that boxed Francis Ngannou, then I don’t think he will. When you fight in Saudi you arrive on a Monday, at the same time you will have to attend everything, dinners, meetings, press conferences and there are plenty of distractions," Chisora said.
He mentioned that, for the first time, a boxer finds himself alone at the moment of entering the ring. Attempts at earlier isolation for independent training in the Middle East are viewed as disrespectful to the local culture. However, the British boxer, nicknamed "War" has unveiled effective tactics for facing Usyk.
For me, the thing with Usyk is that when he starts moving his hands up and down and you start moving with him, you’re in trouble. What you need to do is just hit him when he moves his hands. He’s very good, he’s an amazing fighter, but if you let him be an amazing fighter then he’ll walk all over you," summed up Chisora.
Details about the Usyk-Fury fight
This bout will determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion in many years. Currently, the Briton holds the WBC belt, while the Ukrainian boasts the WBA, WBO, IBO, and IBF titles.
Both fighters signed a contract in September, with the original match date set for December 23. However, Fury's team, after the Ngannou bout, successfully pushed for the fight to be postponed to the following year. The winner will become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1990-1992.
The unification battle will take place in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia also hosted Usyk's rematch with Joshua and Fury's match against Ngannou.
By the way, we've compiled the key events leading up to the Usyk-Fury fight in a special collection.
