George Foreman Gives Blunt Assessment of Tyson Fury's Chances Against Usyk: "It's Not Looking Good"

Ronald Crawley Dec. 2, 2024, 4:10 a.m.

Usyk and Fury first clashed in May, with the Ukrainian coming out on top via split decision. That fight saw Usyk crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades, nearly stopping Fury in the ninth round.

Before that first fight, Foreman shared his thoughts with Boxing Scene. He reckoned Fury had met his match.

"Tyson Fury has met his match … All [Usyk] has to do is … if he's smart enough to win the first round, then the second round. … OK, maybe you can give up the fourth round … but then go back up and win another round. It gets to where he's not worried about anything other than winning it on points. He's a solid fighter. He can take a punch. Fury's in tough. So unless the judges are the best judges money can buy, [Usyk] should win."

Foreman's strategy for Usyk proved spot on. Now, with the rematch on the horizon, the legendary heavyweight sees things playing out differently.

"Sure, because Fury will know then that now he can lose. It makes for a different fight – how you train, how you get into shape. For real. Go back to the way [Fury] fought [long-reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir] Klitschko [in 2015]. He fought Klitschko to a stand-still. And that's the way you've got to fight [Usyk]."

Foreman reckons the knowledge that he can lose will change how Fury prepares. He suggests 'The Gypsy King' should look back to his 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko for inspiration on how to approach the Ukrainian champion.

The boxing world waits with bated breath to see if Fury can adjust his strategy and reclaim his titles, or if Usyk will cement his status as the top heavyweight of this era.

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