Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – Who wins and why?
WBC king Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24KO) and unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13KO) are set to clash in the first quarter of 2023 to crown the first undisputed heavyweight king since Lennox Lewis in 2000.
Gypsy King Fury fought twice in 2022, seeing off mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte on an epic night on St. Georges Day under the arch at Wembley Stadium, which was witnessed by 94,000 live fans – a boxing record. Then he got back out again in December against old foe Derek Chisora, although he was not his – or the fans – first choice of opponent. He won both bouts this year by TKO.
Former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk, fought just once last year, in an enthralling rematch with Anthony Joshua, who managed to make the second fight so much closer than the first, with one judge scoring it 115-113 to the Brit. Luckily, the other two at ringside scored it correctly to Usyk to collect a second win over AJ and retain the WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO belts he won from him the year before.
Ever since the Ukrainian's stoppage win over Tony Bellew in November 2018, he has only fought once per year – four fights in four years. Fury has fought seven times within that same period, so the momentum is with the Morecombe man, but who do our panel of experts think willl win and become the 25th undisputed heavyweight champion in history…
Lennox Lewis Former undisputed heavtweight champion
“I’m a Fury fan right now. I saw him beat Deontay three times and the way that he did it – he told us how he was going to do it. I didn’t believe him the second fight, but I believed him the third fight and I watched him do it.
“I always say a good big guy can always beat a good small guy. 19 years is a long time and fans deserve it! Let’s get it cracking!”
Anthony Joshua Former world heavyweight champion
“I've fought Usyk. I think he's a phenomenal fighter and I think he has a great team around him. You're only as good as your team and he has a great team around him. After being in the ring with him and studying him, still studying him now, I think he's the one to edge it.”
Canelo Undisputed super-middleweight champion
“Usyk is a really good fighter. I saw him a long time ago, he's a great fighter with a lot of skills but I think Fury has everything. Weight, boxing skills, I think it's going to be difficult for Usyk.”
Tim Rickson BBN Editor
“Usyk would probably be my favourite active fighter if it wasn't for Fury. I have always preferred skill over power, and find Usyk's style a joy to watch. I know people say he is too small for a heavyweight, but he is the same size as Muhammad Ali at 6' 3". However, the size difference against 6' 9" Fury, I believe, will play a big part in this fight, and put him at a disadvantage.
“You've got a fight here between two of the most skilled fighters on the planet, with undefeated records, 54 combined wins and a plethora of belts between them, plus a high boxing IQ; but the bigger, more powerful man will have the edge because of his greater size and power.
“These guys are equally matched in almost all departments, until it comes to size and strength, which is why I think Fury wins. Four of his last six fights have ended in knockouts, but I'm struggling to envision Usyk being stopped. If there is a KO, then I think it will by very late, in the championship rounds – 10-12. I believe that Fury will hurt Usyk the more the fight wears on and become less mobile, less busy, for Fury to get on top and win on points.”
George Groves WBA World super-middleweight champion
“I’m such a Usyk fan. I don’t know if he is big enough to challenge Fury if Fury’s really on it and up for it.
“But, when it comes to ability, Usyk’s the best heavyweight in the world by a country mile, in my opinion. I don’t know. I’ll just go Usyk because I’m a Usyk fan boy.”
Carl Froch Three-time super-middleweight world champion
“Tyson Fury is absolutely the best heavyweight in the world right now. Whoever you think is number 2, would not even come close to beating him. He’s too big, too strong, too skilful, has complete self belief when he climbs over that top rope and quite simply destroys anyone!”
Michael HunterThree-time WBA regional heavyweight champion
“You know how to adjust a little bit more, you know how to adapt, make him use his own weight against him. I've been fighting big guys my whole career, professional and amateur.
“Against somebody that's kind of his size, then he can use his weight. Somebody that's tall like him, then he can be big like that.
“But somebody that's on their feet like [Usyk], not to say he can't use his size because he is big, but it's a little bit harder.
“I think Usyk would need to make a couple of adjustments, but I don't think the weight will make as much of a difference as people think
“That's just my opinion. He's an endurance athlete. He's going to move a lot. It's a styles-make-fights thing, a little different tactics to Usyk-Anthony Joshua. I think it would be interesting fight. I'm pretty sure that Usyk would do very well.”
Jonathan Victoria Seat Unique
“When it’s all said and done, this fight, should it happen, will be immense. Two fantastic, generational fighters, both who could walk away from the fight with everyone saying they are a worthy champion.
“For us though, we can only see one winner. And call us biased, but we believe Tyson Fury would be able to get the job done.
“It will be a heavy fight, both fighters will go for it. But Fury has the advantage. He has the height and the reach on Usyk. And while the Ukrainian is smart and technical enough to get around that, we reckon Fury’s power will get him the win by decision.”
Rydell Booker Former WBC Youth cruiserweight champion
“Tyson's a very good boxer. He is kind of a different freak of nature. Fury may not believe in Usyk that much but Usyk's IQ level is tremendously good. I would lean towards Usyk. I know he's the smaller fighter and Tyson Fury's going to use his weight and reach advantage, but Usyk can step up to another level that people don't see. He can use lateral movement, in and out, make Tyson Fury move his legs more than he wants to.
“He can use angles, he can use Fury's size against him and when Fury's coming to him he can step around him.
“I know Usyk and it may be biased, but I think Usyk will beat him. Styles makes fights, Usyk throws a lot of punches in bunches and he showed that he's got a good strong chin, so it'd be a good fight.”
