George Groves: “I might be sceptical that it happens at all to be honest”
Fury vs Usyk signed and sealed for Saudi, but date yet to be announced
Speaking exclusively to Grosvenor Sports former world champion George Groves casts doubt over Fury’s intention of fighting Usyk, but if the fight does happen he picks “superior” Oleksandr Usyk to dethrone Tyson Fury.
The man from Hammersmith rightly questions whether a one-sided thumping over Derek Chisora and battle with a fighter from another sport will be adequate preparation for someone as highly skilled as Ukrainian Usyk, who has just completed two points victories over Anthony Joshua.
I’m sceptical about Fury vs Usyk, It might not even happen
“They've announced Usyk-Fury but whether it's actually properly done or not, who knows?
“They haven't announced a date, they haven't done a press conference for it. I might be sceptical that it happens at all to be honest, just a little bit sceptical – I think the timing of the announcement is interesting. It builds a lot of excitement and a lot of headlines for Fury’s fight within Ngannou, so that makes sense why they would announce it now.”
“I think it's a possibility that it may be a hoax. I’m not saying it’s definitive because Usyk has announced it as well, so I don’t doubt that something’s been signed, but the timing of it is interesting.”
Fury has way more to lose than Usyk, He doesn’t need the unnecessary pressure for a big payday
“Fury’s already exceeded his earning capacity more than everyone else, so I'm sure it's much more important to him right now to be the main man and to tell everyone he's the best fighter in the world than it is to get a significant payday and risk losing against the guy who is in form and who is technically very good, unbeaten and dangerous.”
“Fury's got a lot more to lose than Usyk does in terms of him proclaiming he’s the people's champion and being the best fighter on the planet. Usyk is six inches shorter, and probably naturally three stone lighter, so technically Fury can't lose to him. He diminished Usyk’s achievements but all of this creates a lot of pressure for Fury.”
Usyk beats Fury – Fury’s lacklustre preparation will be the result
“Usyk wins. I don't think Fury's run of fights serve him well to fight in January, say, because his last time out was Chisora, that was almost like a glorified spar. He's got this fight coming up with a UFC fighter, who knows what your mindset is when you're fighting someone who you know is inferior to you, so has he been training properly? Is he sharp? Has he had the right sparring?”
“Usyk is exceptional at being able to change and adapt. His boxing ability is superior, in my opinion, to everyone else in the heavyweight division. What he lacks in natural size, he makes up for in timing, shot placement, adjustments of feet, tempo and power. It’s Usyk’s hardest fight, and it might be a close fight, but I think I think Usyk wins.”
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