Tony Bellew’s firsthand experience in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk tells him that Tyson Fury just might be facing the first defeat of his 34 fight career.
Bellew faced the Ukrainian in what would be the last fight of his career, and the last fight of Usyk’s in the cruiserweight division. He was knocked out in the eighth as his opponent moved up a division, won two fights and then beat Anthony Joshua for the unified world titles.
After beating ‘AJ’ again in the rematch, Usyk is now focusing on another Brit in Tyson Fury. With the WBC belt, Fury is the final piece of the puzzle for Usyk to go undefeated and undisputed in two weight classes.
And Bellew believes he has the tools to do it. He told IFL TV that Fury’s new style under the tutelage of SugarHill Steward may be bad for this match-up.
“I’ve always thought he’s going to be too big, but the way he’s changed styles – Tyson Fury is now an aggressive boxer counterpuncher, with power. And I just think that style and that format that he has now falls more into Oleksandr Usyk’s hands.
So, if anyone’s going to beat [Fury], I do think it will be Oleksandr Usyk. I just think he’s very good at what he does. Usyk’s the only one who can consistently make Tyson Fury miss and pay for twelve rounds.
It’s just can he keep him off? That’s the big thing. His footwork is unbelievable. I know from first hand experience unfortunately – he’s exceptional.”
For Bellew’s words to be put to the test, negotiations must be finalised and contracts signed. With a date of April 29 at Wembley Stadium now looking like the only option for the fights, news is expected soon.