Bob Arum has praised Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his undisputed clash with Tyson Fury but admitted the ‘Gypsy King’ may not have prepared for Francis Ngannou correctly.
Fury was expected to do a number on the former UFC heavyweight champion but it was a tough night at the office for the Brit and he was even dropped but ultimately won a split-decision against the boxing debutant.
And Fury’s American promoter Arum believes his performance was down to one of two things.
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He told BoxingScene: “Let’s be honest… You watch Fury’s last fight with Ngannou, either he really wasn’t prepared for that fight, or he’s lost a step. When fighters get up in age, that happens.
“I really believe it’s the former – that Fury didn’t prepare as well as he should have [against Ngannou], who, by the way, has the tools to become a force in the heavyweight division.”
He said: “I really believe [Fury vs Usyk is] going to be a fascinating fight.
“Usyk is a very smart fighter. He prepares extremely well. He’s fearless. That will be a very big test for Fury.
“Fury knows that. He’s been training assiduously for the fight.”
How do you see the fight playing out? Let us know in the comments.
Fury wins, and the Fury haters will still give him no credit.