Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have delighted boxing fans by announcing that the undisputed heavyweight title fight is signed.
The two champions have taken their time in doing so, especially given the contest was promised late last year.
It’s taken the involvement of Saudi Arabia and its pot of money to get it over the line, and the fight is said to land as early as this December, although early next year is more likely.
Stepping into the ring, Usyk’s last three opponents are Anthony Joshua twice and Daniel Dubois. Fury has Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora and, assuming all goes to plan, MMA fighter Francis Ngannou, on his list.
It’s something former super-middleweight champion, George Groves, believes will be the difference come four-belt fight night. He spoke to Grosvenor Sports.
“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?”
Outside of Fury’s preparation, Groves believes the Ukrainian is just the better fighter.
“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.”
Fury faces Ngannou on October 28, and the Usyk fight is expected to get a solid date not long after.