Tyson Fury’s Evolving Physique Sparks Intrigue Ahead of Undisputed Heavyweight Clash
As the British WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury arrived in Saudi Arabia this week for his fight-week festivities, boxing analysts were left scratching their heads. The reason? Fury’s noticeably leaner physique compared to his previous outings.
The question on everyone’s mind: Is this a deliberate ploy by the 35-year-old to match the fitness and agility of his opponent, the three-belt champion Oleksandr Usyk, whom Fury has nicknamed “rabbit”? Or is it simply another mind game from the unpredictable champion?
“He said a few years ago, ‘Stay fat. You’re better when you’re bigger,'” reminded ProBox TV analyst Chris Algieri, referring to Fury’s previous comments. “He used that weight (277 pounds) the second time against (former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder), bullied him all over the ring. He’ll still be bigger (than Usyk) by about 50 pounds, but I’m curious to see what he weighs.”
The “Deep Waters” panel assessed that Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) is likely altering his fight plan to both match Usyk’s (21-0, 14 KOs) fitness while imposing his height, reach and weight advantages when the situation calls for it. Algieri theorizes that Fury “will try to be nimble early, then lean on his power and then pour it on in the end.”
This tactical approach is a departure from Fury’s previous fights, where concerns about his gas tank had never really surfaced. “Before Francis Ngannou, there was never a time when (Fury) tired out, or that we worried about his gas tank,” Algieri said.
Former two-division champion Timothy Bradley warned of the risks an older fighter like Fury, who has been knocked down five times since 2018, might face when slashing weight before a high-stakes bout. However, the panel expects Fury to weigh in the 260s, perhaps even as low as 260 pounds.
While Usyk, 37, has been disciplined in his preparation, the consensus among the analysts is that Fury possesses the superior overall skillset. “The best Tyson Fury versus the best Usyk? Tyson Fury has more skills,” Bradley said. “He can switch to southpaw, box off his back foot, has a seven-inch reach advantage, has good punching power, throws great combinations, better timing and he’s taller and longer.”
Ultimately, the reason this bout is considered a pick-em is Fury’s wealth of advantages over the focused Usyk. As Bradley concluded, “You ask me who has a better chance to win? I’m going to say Tyson Fury.”
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