Certain people in the boxing world have claimed that Tyson Fury is ‘washed’ or declining after witnessing his fight with Francis Ngannou.
The Brit’s below-par performance against the former UFC Champion in October triggered the observations from the likes of Eddie Hearn and Johnny Nelson.
The WBC Champion, who has brushed aside most opponents over the last decade, struggled with Ngannou and was put down in the third round, though took a split decision points win.
That rather stalled the announcement of the fight many people were more excited about, namely his four-belt clash with Oleksandr Usyk, which is now set for February 17.
In comments made on X the evening after ‘The Gypsy King’s last fight, the last undisputed heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis, said Fury looked ‘nothing like’ what he has in the past.
“So let’s talk about last night. I think both Fury and Ngannou surprised everyone, but for two different reasons. Fury looked nothing like the man in the trilogy against Wilder. Ngannou by far exceeded most ppl’s expectations. Basically, Ngannou won the night. Fury won the fight.”
He was then asked in a reply if Fury was ‘washed’, disagreeing but warning him not to come in underprepared against Usyk.
“No… but I don’t think he went through a full camp either. Better not make that mistake against Usyk.”
No… but i don’t think he went thru a full camp either. Better not make that mistake against Usyk.
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) October 31, 2023
The 35-year-old will be able to right all wrongs with a win in February against the technical, sharp minded and talented southpaw who holds three of the four major heavyweight titles as well as having held all four down at cruiserweight.