Boxing Legend Speaks Out on Historic Heavyweight Showdown: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk
A boxing icon has shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated fight between two heavyweight titans.
Tyson Fury is set to face off against Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night (18 May) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first undisputed heavyweight championship fight since 1999.
The Gypsy King, currently the WB
C heavyweight champion, will be defending his undefeated record against Usyk, who also boasts an unblemished professional career.
Originally scheduled for February, the bout was postponed due to a freak sparring injury that sidelined the 35-year-old Fury. Now, the stage is set for an epic showdown this weekend.
Usyk, the man to beat in the heavyweight division, transitioned from cruiserweight where he reigned as the undisputed champion. Despite his impressive credentials, a British boxing legend has raised concerns for Fury as he prepares to face the formidable 37-year-old.
Ricky Hatton, a celebrated former boxer who held numerous world championships in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions, has voiced his main concern for his fellow countryman.
Ricky Hatton, affectionately known as ‘The Hitman,’ will be in Fury’s corner, expecting him to emerge victorious. However, he acknowledges the challenge ahead.
Hatton cautioned his friend about one significant threat posed by Usyk, explaining, “I think it will be a very interesting fight because Tyson has never fought anyone as small as Usyk before.”
While this might seem advantageous for Fury, Hatton warns it introduces unfamiliar territory: “That could be a bit of a concern because it will be a new experience for him. When he fought Wilder, he was able to stand there and have it out with him. It was the same with Dillian Whyte.”
“He’s used to fighting these massive units, and now he’s got a little whippersnapper in front of him who will be flying all over the place. The fact that he’s smaller makes it more dangerous for Tyson because Tyson has been able to bully the previous heavyweights he’s fought over the last few years,” Hatton elaborated.
Despite these concerns, Fury appears well-prepared, having slimmed down to enhance his speed, agility, and movement. Fans have been impressed by his transformation since the Ngannou fight last year.
Still, Hatton harbors some doubts: “Tyson ticks all the boxes. He can box southpaw, he can box orthodox. He’s got speed, he’s got great defense. I think he’ll find a way. Tyson can do everything – he’s a right box of tricks – but if anyone can hurt him, it’s Oleksandr Usyk.”
Whatever the outcome, Hatton anticipates a thrilling fight: “I think it will live up to the hype. I think it’ll be great.”
As the world awaits this historic bout, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters. Will Fury’s preparation and size give him the edge, or will Usyk’s agility and boxing IQ prove to be the decisive factor? This Saturday night, all eyes will be on Riyadh to witness history in the making.
