As the proposed date for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk gets closer, the big concern for most is whether six weeks is enough time for Fury to get in fighting shape.
Talks have been dragging for months now, with hurdles like purse splits and rematch clauses seeming destined to put an end to the chances of seeing the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.
However, as a surprise to most Usyk accepted a ‘take it or leave it’ 30% purse split offer from Fury and Frank Warren has since posted on Twitter, in the biggest hint yet, that an official announcement is imminent.
One concern from fans and pundits alike is whether or not six weeks is enough time for the fighters – particularly Fury since Usyk has been in training camp since December – to get ready.
In an interview with BT Sport last year Fury revealed that he’s now always in the gym ‘ticking over’ and only needs 4 weeks of sparring to prepare for a fight.
“I’m just ticking over really. I’m already fit and ready to go. I’m 19st 7lbs this morning, I box at 18st 12lbs, so I have got like nine pounds to go.
So, I am fit, I’m walking around under a stone over my fight weight, ticking over on the bag or with the boys in the gym, my training partners.
I really only need four weeks of sparring and I am ready to go, the rest of it has already been done.”
Eddie Hearn recently voiced his opinion that ‘Fury doesn’t look physically ready’ to take on the Ukrainian with just six weeks to prepare.
Gone are the days where Fury would blow up in weight between fights, so some would argue that with a 6 week training camp he’ll still be in better shape than many fights in his early career days.