Heavyweight rising star Jared Anderson has weighed in on a potential undisputed clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk – and believes it would be a bridge too far for the Ukrainian.
Anderson is coming off a knockout victory over Miljan Rovcanin – his 12th in 12 fights – and is a certified danger in the division. It may be too early in his career to mention him in the title picture while Fury and Usyk are still competing, but there’s little doubt he’ll be around that level in the future.
BACK LIKE HE NEVER LEFT@TeamBigBabyy 😤 pic.twitter.com/QfIAbjxe2E
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The American, who sparred Fury in preparation for his second and third fights with Deontay Wilder, was of no doubt when asked by FightHype about the outcome of the fight, and even questioned whether it would be competitive.
“I’m not sure that it’s a fight everybody wants to see. I feel like it’s a no brainer.”
Many observers have pointed to the trouble former cruiserweight Steve Cunningham caused Fury in their 2013 fight when analysing Usyk as a prospective opponent for ‘The Gypsy King.’ Anderson, however, believes little can be taken from that night.
“Tyson was not nearly the fighter he is now – he’s grown and built so much from that night.”
Fury announced his retirement from boxing after his stoppage win over Dillian Whyte in April, however this was met with scepticism from many. In recent weeks, Fury has posted numerous clips on social media in which he has expressed a desire to face Usyk for the undisputed crown.
Talk regarding an undisputed fight from Fury’s camp has also been positive, with promoter Bob Arum going to Twitter to say that he was “hopeful” the fight could be made, describing a meeting between the two as “the biggest heavyweight fight since Ali fought Frazier.”
A fight between Fury and Usyk is rumoured to land early in 2023, with various international locations said to have already offered lucrative site fees.