Tyson Fury has predicted that Oleksandr Usyk will win the rematch against Anthony Joshua, saying that the Ukrainian is too good of a boxer for Joshua. Fury is expected to face the winner of the fight in a unification bout and is sure to be watching closely when the pair do battle in Saudi Arabia on August 20.
Fury also said that anything could happen in the fight, saying that Usyk was given a tough fight by Joshua in the original fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2021. Usyk took Joshua's WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles while also maintaining his unbeaten record, inflicting only the second defeat of the Brit's career.
The rematch will take place in August at the Jeddah Super Dome, with the 40,000 capacity stadium having already hosted WWE Elimination Chamber in February. It will not be the first time that Joshua has fought in the country, having won his rematch against Andy Ruiz there in 2019 which could be a good omen.
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WBC heavyweight champion Fury spoke to journalist Gareth A Davies after the rematch was announced: “In heavyweight boxing, it only takes one punch," he said. "It wasn’t a complete landslide last time, Usyk had a lot of marks on his face, he was cut up.
“He’s not hard to hit, Usyk, he’s right there in front of you. So Joshua can obviously land a big punch, but I just think that Usyk’s too cute for him. Too smart, too quick, and a southpaw."
Joshua has employed a new trainer for the fight, with American Robert Garcia coming in for the rematch. Fury also offered his view on what the renowned trainer would bring to Joshua's fighting style and his approach to the rematch.
He explained: “And I think that [new trainer] Robert Garcia trying to train him to be on the front foot or whatever and be aggressive will only enable Usyk to land more often. I just don’t see it, but then again, what do I know? Nothing about boxing. I’m heavyweight champion of the world, undefeated all of that stuff.
“Anyone can win a fight as we’ve seen many, many times and it’s a good time to beat Usyk now isn’t it? Because [his country] have been at war. Everything’s up in the air. If ever he was ever gonna be off his ball, now would be the time.
“But I just think Usyk’s too good of a boxer for AJ and I don’t think AJ’s got the ability to pressurise him for 12 rounds, drag him into a dog fight and knock him out. You have to be an elite special human being for that and I don’t think Joshua possesses that will to win to do that.
“He’s too easily happy to come second position. “If you’re willingly setting for second, say no more.”
