Boxing legend warns Tyson Fury about 'dangerous' Oleksandr Usyk ahead of long-awaited showdown
This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group might make a commission on anything purchased.
A boxing icon has shared his thoughts on the upcoming bout between the two heavyweight fighters.
Tyson Fury will face off against Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night (18 May) in an undisputed heavyweight championship fight for the first time since 1999, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Gypsy King is the current WBC heavyweight champion of the world, though Usyk, like Fury, remains undefeated in his entire professional career.
Advert
The Brit was meant to face off against the Ukrainian back in February this year, but a freak sparring injury forced him out of action, with the fight being postponed to this weekend.
Usyk has become the man to beat in the heavyweight division, as he switched from cruiserweight earlier in his career, where he was the undisputed champion.
However, ahead of the bout, a British boxing legend has spoken up about one concern he has for his fellow countryman and friend that he should look for against Usyk.
Ricky Hatton competed as a professional boxer from 1997 to 2012, holding numerous world championships in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions.
It appears 'The Hitman' will be firmly in Fury's corner come Saturday, expecting him to come home victorious, though it will not be an easy task.
Hatton believes that Usyk's size and boxing IQ will give the Wythenshawe-born fighter some problems in the ring, much different to the ones he had to overcome against Deontay Wilder.
He told Lord Ping: "I think it will be a very interesting fight because Tyson has never fought anyone as small as Usyk before."
For reference, Usyk is 6ft 3 while Fury is 6ft 9.
Though this may sound like an advantage to Fury, Hatton explained that it is unchartered territory for 'The Gypsy King': "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."
It does seem like Fury has prepared for this though, as he is in outstanding shape ahead of the fight.
But this hasn't stopped Hatton for having a sense of doubt in the back of his mind, adding: "Tyson ticks all the boxes. He can box south paw, he can box orthodox. He's got speed, he's got great defence.
"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 is expecting big things from the fight.
He added: "I think it will live up to the hype. I think it'll be great."
Brits can watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk live on DAZN PPV or on TNT Sports.
Topics: Boxing, Tyson Fury, Sport
Joshua Nair