The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury electrifies the boxing world. Former world champion Lennox Lewis has a favorite in the heavyweight clash.
Shortly before Christmas there are already presents for boxing fans all over the world. On December 21st, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will meet in Saudi Arabia for the second part of their giants’ battle.
Former world champion Lennox Lewis, who fought his last fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2003, has a favorite.
“It’s difficult for me to bet against Usyk. He has proven himself time and time again,” he said in an interview with “Sport Bild” when asked who would win the fight.
The 59-year-old said that Fury had to take the fight “more seriously” against the “Gypsy King”. “He has to win the early rounds and not give them away to Usyk. He should also put more power into his punches. Because he is clearly the bigger man. He should determine the fight,” continued Lewis.
Lewis expects Fury to be more active
Usyk narrowly won the first fight in Riyadh 2-1 on points after twelve rounds and was crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lewis in 1999. Fury suffered the first defeat of his professional career.
The old master expects to see a different Fury this time. Before the first fight, the Briton had been battling an injury. “He hadn’t completed the rounds of sparring that he needed. Because beforehand he had cut his eye and had to take a break. He was simply afraid that the wound would reopen again,” said Lewis, explaining Fury’s passive demeanor May.
“I think it will be a good fight again. In the end it depends on the style,” said the Brit in an interview with RTL Nord and at the WBC World Association Congress in Hamburg sport.de said. Defending champion Usyk has “a great fighting style,” praised Lewis of the Ukrainian. Fury is “a big guy who moves well and hits well. That’s why it will be a competitive number,” said the former world champion.