Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has weighed in on the upcoming rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, scheduled for December 21. With Fury aiming to bounce back from his previous defeat against Usyk, Lewis emphasizes the importance of a more aggressive approach for the Gypsy King this time around. He believes that Fury, with his towering 6’9” frame, must leverage his size to impose himself physically on Usyk, who stands at a shorter 6’3” and weighs in over 220 pounds.
In their first match, Fury struggled to execute effective physical tactics, which had previously led him to victory over Deontay Wilder. His attempts to leverage tactics like rabbit punches and low blows fell flat against the technical prowess of Usyk. Lewis critiques Fury’s performance, highlighting that his strategies lacked effectiveness and ultimately needed a deeper reliance on boxing skills rather than physical intimidation. This lack of adaptability likely contributed to Fury’s defeat, as Usyk was able to maintain control and showcase superior boxing technique.
One incident that continues to resonate from the first fight is Fury’s actions during the ninth round, where Lewis characterized Fury’s demeanor as “playing around.” However, this perspective raises questions about the seriousness of Fury’s situation during that moment. Some analysts believe that Fury appeared genuinely hurt, raising concerns about the referee’s decision-making. By giving Fury a standing eight count after he pushed Usyk away, the referee may have inadvertently saved Fury from further damage. This raises a critical debate on the balance of gamesmanship versus the actual jeopardy faced by fighters in the ring.
As the rematch approaches, Lewis is adamant that Fury must focus on refining his game plan. He suggests that establishing a strong jab is crucial for Fury’s success, in conjunction with utilizing his natural size to create obstacles for Usyk. “Rough him up a bit,” Lewis advises, emphasizing the need for Fury to be proactive and relentless, rather than reactive. By applying consistent pressure, throwing more punches, and making Usyk work harder, Fury could shift the fight dynamics in his favor.
Lewis’s insights illuminate the strategic adjustments necessary for Fury’s redemption. He believes that Fury has enough self-awareness to recognize his previous mistakes and can learn from them. By acknowledging that he lost the first fight fair and square, Fury is afforded an opportunity to make changes that could lead to a different outcome.
As fans look forward to the December 21 rematch, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Tyson Fury and his ability to adapt. With expert opinions like Lewis’s highlighting the adjustments needed, the upcoming fight promises to be a captivating clash of strategies, skill, and resilience. Ultimately, whether Fury can translate the lessons from his past loss into a victorious performance remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that the stakes are higher than ever.