Tony Bellew’s pick for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight clash has ruffled some feathers on the Brit’s team.
Bellew – who lost by knockout to Usyk before retiring in 2018 – told Froch on Fighting that he was completely certain his former opponent would beat Fury over the distance.
“Oleksandr Usyk, points – 100 per cent. I thought AJ would beat him first time around, so it’s got nothing to do with [me being a previous opponent].
“What’s the style [Fury] struggles with most? A back-foot fighter. [Usyk] wants you to attack him. He makes an absolute fool of you.”
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans after head butting a member of Usyk’s team to begin fight week, Fury’s father John threatened to do the same to Bellew upon hearing his prediction.
“You see Tony Bellew? He will get a headbutt like he has just got if he comes around me.”
Fury senior is certain to make more headlines before Saturday comes around, but the outcome of the fight boils down to his son and Usyk, who step through the ropes at around 10PM UK time.
There’s a rematch clause at the loser’s discretion and it has been tentatively set for October, although all four belts are unlikely to be on the line given the IBF has already stated the winner will be stripped for not facing his mandatory.
