That was the main topic of debate on Friday’s “Deep Waters” ProBox TV show.
When focused, Tyson Fury has the potential to be one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in history. But how often do we get to see a concentrated Tyson Fury? Paulie Malignaggi, the former welterweight champion, was asked. “Will we witness a focused Tyson Fury taking on Oleksandr Usyk?”
Although indications from training indicate that the 35-year-old Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) is in incredible shape, Chris Algieri, a “Deep Waters” analyst and former 140-pound champion, stated that commitment is required when facing the outstanding Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs).
“Tyson Fury loses versus Oleksandr Usyk if he isn’t completely concentrated,” Algieri stated. “Usyk is essentially the boxing equivalent of DJ Khaled—all I do is win, win, win.”
Furthermore, Usyk is in a better position to capitalize on Fury’s assertion of generational greatness given his record of two wins over former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Fury has not yet faced Anthony Joshua. Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) outperformed Fury last month by stopping Ngannou in the second round by knockout after Wallin caused Fury difficulties in their fight in December.
Algieri remarked, His performances lately have been sharp and destructive. I don’t think anyone cares to see [Joshua’s third bout] if Usyk wins [May 18], but if Tyson Fury wins, Joshua is a completely different person today. He reminds me of the old Joshua, and I could honestly see him defeating practically anybody in the world. He looked like he might defeat Tyson Fury.
Sets up a major, mega clash [between Brits], and if the winner is Fury, then, sure, hands down, he’s the greatest heavyweight of our generation,” refers to Fury’s victory against Usyk.
That is a significant back-to-back burden.
Usyk, who won gold in the Olympics in 2012, is “multi-layered,” according to Malignaggi, but at 37 years old, it’s unclear how well his gifted legs will move him to counter Fury’s formidable stature in what is essentially a 50-50 fight at the sports books.
“Usyk is a tactician and strategist who uses the fundamentals of being a southpaw to generate beautiful angles. Team Usyk has stated that Fury is vulnerable to certain of the techniques used by southpaws,” Algieri remarked.
Take, for example, the incision Wallin made on Fury, which needed 47 stitches to seal.
Algieri said, “[Usyk] always wins the battle of location because he stays outside that lead foot and fights from the weak side, which allows him to be inconspicuous.” However, he needs to stay on his toes the entire night. With a man who will have a practical weight advantage of 55–60 pounds, twelve rounds is a very long period. Tyson Fury is a large man who knows how to make the most of his stature. He is a big, athletic, cunning man who can employ “dirty” boxing on the inside and moves with good grace. He will rely on you.
