Earlier this year, the boxing world was gearing up for a mega-fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.
The pair were due to go head-to-head in a about dubbed ‘Ring of Fire’ at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, with the coveted title of undisputed heavyweight champion hanging in the balance.
However, just weeks before fight night on February 17, Fury sustained a significant cut above his eye in sparring, forcing the blockbuster showdown to be postponed by three months.
Fast-forward to the present day and the rearranged fight is rapidly approaching — May 18 is the date you need to add to your diary.
The Tyson Fury odds were firmly in the ‘Gypsy King’s’ favor ahead of the initial fight. Still, there is now very little to separate the two in the betting market — reflecting that the bookmakers are predicting a more evenly-matched contest.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at three reasons why the postponement has potentially benefitted Usyk.
Extra time for preparation and strategy refinement
The postponement of the about has afforded Usyk invaluable additional time to fine-tune his preparation and strategize for the formidable challenge posed by Fury.
Usyk, known for his meticulous approach to training and tactical acumen, thrives on thorough preparation.
The extended period has allowed him to delve deeper into studying Fury’s style, strengths, and weaknesses, enabling him to tailor his game plan more precisely.
Moreover, Usyk, being a technically gifted fighter, has likely utilized the extra time to hone his skills further and address any areas for improvement identified during training camps.
This prolonged preparation phase could give Usyk a crucial edge on fight night as he enters the ring armed with a more refined and comprehensive strategy.
Tyson Fury’s injury
Undoubtedly, one of the most significant advantages stemming from the postponement is Fury’s injury.
While Fury is known for his remarkable resilience and ability to overcome adversity, rushing back into a high-stakes situation with a lingering injury could compromise his performance.
Not only has the injury-marred Fury’s preparation for this fight, but Usyk will be targeting that eye meticulously throughout the rounds to open it up and try to gain an advantage.
With the Gypsy King’s training regime substantially affected and the potential for that cut to significantly
Extended rest and recovery period
Usyk’s fighting style is characterized by his exceptional athleticism, agility, and relentless pace.
However, competing at the highest level of the heavyweight division demands immense physical exertion, which can be detrimental to the body over time.
Looking at Usyk’s fight record since his step-up in class, he is accustomed to longer intervals between fights—roughly a year between each of his five heavyweight contests.
The original February date was roughly six months after his win over Daniel Dubois, so the postponement of the bout with Fury provided Usyk with an extended hiatus from competition.
By capitalizing on the additional time for rest and recovery, Usyk may find himself fresher and more energized when he steps into the ring to face Fury, potentially enhancing his endurance and overall durability throughout the about.
