Conor McGregor recently weighed in on the upcoming clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, slated for May 18.
This showdown for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship is stirring anticipation, as it promises to crown the era’s supreme heavyweight, echoing Lennox Lewis’s feat of 1999. Odds makers are torn, viewing the bout as a deadlock. Fury’s imposing size and weight present a formidable advantage, reminiscent of his overpowering performance against Deontay Wilder. Yet, there’s a twist in Fury’s strategy, as he seems to lean towards a lighter weight, hinting at a more agile, boxing-centric approach. Conversely, Usyk appears to bulk up, potentially aiming to deliver heavier blows that could counter Fury’s grappling tactics, albeit at the expense of agility, as McGregor astutely noted from his own experience on the grandest stages.
Conor McGregor Predicts Tyson Fury vs. Oleksadnr Usyk Winner
“Usyk is a crafty, crafty boxer. If anyone can do it, maybe Usyk can do it. Tyson is also a crafty boxer. Plus, he has the size. Tyson is a tough man to beat in the boxing arena,” remarked McGregor, encapsulating the finely balanced nature of the impending clash.
However, the outcome hinges on whether Fury can leverage his size advantage effectively. Usyk’s targeting strategy may disrupt Fury’s rhythm, forcing him to reconsider his game plan. While Fury has been tipped to target Usyk’s body, this tactic presents its own risks, potentially leaving his face exposed for Usyk’s counters. Usyk’s recent demonstration of switching stances during media workouts adds an intriguing dimension, whether it’s a genuine tactic or mere mind games remains uncertain, reminiscent of David Haye’s strategic triumph over Nikolai Valuev despite a significant height disparity.
Haye’s victory over Valuev underscores the importance of skill over sheer size in the ring, a principle that Usyk has already demonstrated with his victories over Anthony Joshua. Despite Joshua’s reputation as a devastating combination puncher, Usyk’s ability to trade blows and outmaneuver him twice speaks volumes about the Ukrainian’s prowess.
However, Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, exudes confidence in his fighter’s abilities, predicting a victory by playing to Fury’s strengths.
“I think that’s what’s going to happen to Usyk. He’ll do him at his own game. Because he’s very, very smart. He keeps working hard but he’s going to be super-fit for this fight and I’ll tell you why – because even if he was carrying excess weight, he hasn’t got to lose it because he was so fit from the training before he got cut. He looks in marvellous, marvellous condition. As far as physical condition is concerned, he’ll be in the best shape I believe he’s ever been in,” Warren confidently stated.
In sum, the impending clash between Fury and Usyk promises a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination, where every move could tip the scales in favor of one fighter over the other.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
