Cruiserweight world champion, Lawrence Okolie, believes that a big ring and constant movement is what Oleksandr Usyk needs to beat Tyson Fury.
The pair are slated to be fighting on April 29 in London to crown a four-belt heavyweight champion in what will be Usyk’s biggest test at heavyweight and of his stellar pro career so far.
Okolie, who currently holds the WBO 200lb title that Usyk once did, told TalkSPORT that a big ring is key for the Ukrainian should he have a chance.
“I think, in a big ring, Usyk will be able to dance and pop left hands to the body. I don’t think he’ll even go head hunting at all, I think it’ll just be proper to the body from round one till round twelve. And just moving and trying not to get caught. And try to pinch a decision.”
Having said that, Okolie fancies Fury for the win. He recently linked up with his trainer SugarHill Steward, and believes that the style Steward has developed with Fury of using his size will play well in this one.
“A nice small ring, Tyson gets hold of him, lays on him a bit, push and pulls him around. As well as it will be very difficult for Usyk to get past the length of Tyson. I think Tyson Fury wins that one.”
Whilst the predictions are coming thick and fast, there’s still no news of a signed contract. Both men are in training, though, and fans are optimistic the fight gets made soon.
Okolie himself is looking at a move up to the heavies in the future, although first must deal with his title defence against David Light on March 25.