Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk considers Tyson Fury's decision to fight Francis Ngannou on October 28th as a clear sign of his fear to confront him.
Undefeated in the ring, WBC heavyweight champion Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) appears to dodge a clash with Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs), the reigning IBF, WBA & WBO champion. After previously agreeing to the terms, Fury abandoned the negotiation.
Had he chosen to fight Usyk, he would have earned more than his upcoming bout with Ngannou, but he opted for the path of less resistance. This decision, which sidelines top-level heavyweights in favor of Ngannou, casts a shadow on Fury's reputation, portraying him as risk-averse and financially motivated.
"While Francis Ngannou has landed a golden chance, it isn't quite so for Tyson Fury," Usyk told Sky Sports Boxing. He questioned Fury's decision to fight Ngannou, a novice to boxing, rather than a top-10 contender. Usyk firmly believes that his imposing presence is enough to strike fear into Fury.
It is widely believed that the cunning and skillful southpaw Usyk poses a significant threat to Fury, prompting the latter to sidestep him to safeguard his WBC title, which now stands as his sole credential.
Eddie Hearn suggests that a fight with Usyk or Anthony Joshua would be more lucrative for Fury than his upcoming match against the 36-year-old Ngannou, who is yet to participate in a professional boxing match. Some followers opine that Fury's confidence was shattered after Deontay Wilder knocked him down during their third face-off in 2021. Despite a slow count from the referee saving him from a knockout, Fury barely survived the count.
Fury's supporters, however, highlight that Usyk has agreed to a lesser pay to defend his titles against Daniel Dubois on August 26th in Wroclaw, Poland. But it's worth noting that Usyk has little choice as the WBA has mandated this fight. To retain his WBA title, Usyk is obliged to face Dubois.
Comentarios