RIYADH – One of Oleksandr Usyk's sparring partners believes it will be difficult for the Ukrainian fighter to have a “big say” in Saturday's fight with Tyson Fury.
The WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion will take on Fury for the undisputed title in what could be a career-defining occasion at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
If he wins, he will be remembered as one of the greatest fighters in history, but if he loses to 35-year-old Fury, the WBC champion, he could be remembered instead for his notable accomplishments in the cruiserweight division. means high.
Jordan Thompson faced Murat Gassiev in 2018, sparring the 37-year-old Usyk before turning in the best performance of his career to win the undisputed cruiserweight title. He later sparred with Fury before his two fights with fellow underdog Deontay Wilder. If, as Thompson expected, his fellow Briton would win.
“I've spent a lot of time with Fury and I have a lot of respect for him, and I have a lot of respect for what he's accomplished as a person and as a fighter,” Thompson said. “I'm a little biased. But when it comes to technicians and tacticians, I think it's 50-50. You can't really separate the two. But I think that really gets the job done. I think Fury is ahead of him in almost every department. He's very close to catching up to him. At the end of the day, he's a real heavyweight, an out-and-out heavyweight. There's no denying that. .
“[The size difference] It depends on what happens with Tyson. He is a very adaptable person. He can do whatever he wants in the ring. It depends on whether he gets in there and how he wants to use his size. That's up to Tyson. I believe it's a contest whether Tyson wins or Tyson loses. I don't think Mr. Usyk has much say. It all depends on how Tyson shows up that night and what approach he brings to the fight. But if a person of that size uses it the right way, it will cause a lot of problems.
“His mindset is special. Look at what he's overcome outside of the ring. Inside the ring. I watched a video the other day that showed all of his knockdowns. 'Wait a minute. Please – this guy is still undefeated – he’s never lost a match.’ He’s a freak. He's a weirdo – he has something you can't teach.
“[Their power is] Underrated. You're dealing with two of his fighters who are artistic in their approach. It's either a hit or a miss. It's the art of boxing. Yeah, they're tough, but they're not like, let's scrap. Don't get me wrong. Both may have scraps. But when they get into that ring, they get hit. Please don't hit. And they add a little bit of violence in their own way. Their power is underestimated – Fury, look at his size. His reach length. You just have to do physics and math. He's a big, big guy.
“Footwork, he's definitely fast. He has that speed and that weight and that equals power. If he really chooses to sit and move his hands freely, he's going to solve the problem. It will cause it.
“Same with Usyk. He's not a small puncher. He's a high-pressure guy in his own right. They both have power, but I don't think either of them can use their true power to their full potential. But… They didn't really need to do that. They're both undefeated fighters. Whatever they do, it works for them.”
Thompson is hoping for a rematch later in the summer before the outcome of the rematch between domestic rivals Chris Billum-Smith and Richard Liakpoly is known.
“We'll see when he gets in the ring.” [if Fury’s still the same fighter],” he continued. “If it was stepping in there against Tyson Fury.” [in October 2023, Francis] Ngannou, funnily enough, I think he'll still find a way to beat Usyk. But it's all about the marbles and he always comes up with an answer. He always finds a way.
“Is he the same fighter? Those three fights he fought against Wilder were brutal. Who knows what it cost him? What impact did it really have on him? No one knows how he feels. But again, he always finds a way. He always has an answer to everything asked. So you have to respect him.
“They're both special, special fighters. Special individuals. Special athletes.
“[But] Tyson always finds a way. I think it's slow to stop. [Rounds] From 9:00 to 12:00. slow stop. Maybe that's a little biased, I don't know. But I think Tyson will win either way. I believe Tyson will win, whether by decision or stopover. ”
