Tyson Fury weighed in for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk at a massive 281 pounds, albeit fully clothed.
Though the Morecambe man’s weight is likely inflated, there’s little doubt he has come in significantly heavier than his first fight with Usyk – 262 pounds – which he lost by split decision.
Fury has come to the rematch with not only a different bulk but an entirely different demeanour – aggressive and in no mood for joking around. The weight and attitude all point to him looking for a knockout and, speaking on his YouTube channel, Carl Froch agrees, though he’s not sure the plan works.
“The big talking point is the four stone weight gap. Usyk just over 16 stone like he usually is, so he’s at optimum weight. I think he’s a little heavier than when they first fought, but Tyson Fury, he’s at 20 stone. Or is he just over 20 stone?
You would think that would be an absolutely ridiculous advantage to have, but with Usyk and the way he fights, I’m not sure that’s gonna help [Fury]. Tyson Fury’s obviously got one thing on his mind and that is to steamroll Usyk. He’s gonna use that extra weight early on. It tells me he’s going to try and lean on Usyk and catch him, hurt early … I’m not sure that’s gonna work, I just think that’s what his plan is.”
Froch predicts the same result this time around, cementing Usyk as an all-time great.
“He’s turning up to this fight tomorrow very confident, really well prepared. I spoke to his promoter earlier. I just think it’s going to be a tough, tough job for Tyson Fury. I’m not saying he can’t do it. You know what my pick is. My pick is that Usyk’s going to get the job done.”
The two elite heavyweights face off this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
