- Gypsy King favourite despite struggle against Ngannou
- December date off as Fury needs recovery time
- Bout now thought to be set for February
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is now being planned for February 2024, talkSPORT sources understand, with the 17th being a possibility. The venue will be the same as that for Fury vs Ngannou – the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. And, despite Fury’s less than convincing performance, the “Gypsy King” remains favourite.
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December date likely to be shelved in favour of February
Initial plans had aimed for an official announcement after Fury’s recent clash with Ngannou. However, the outcome of the fight did not unfold as expected. Fury, the “Gypsy King,” found himself in a tougher battle than anticipated against his debutant opponent. He was even knocked down in the third round and faced challenges in the eighth, ultimately securing a victory through a contentious split decision after ten intense rounds.
Due to the unexpectedly gruelling nature of the fight, Fury sustained facial cuts and his team deemed it necessary for him to have more time to recover. Frank Warren, the Hall of Fame promoter, emphasised the importance of allowing Fury adequate time for recuperation and a full training camp. Consequently, the undisputed showdown, initially slated for December 23, has been pushed into the early months of the following year.
Warren explained, “Tyson can’t be going into a camp after a tough fight like that. That’s eight weeks away. He needs at least a bit of time to get himself, his body, back into shape. Let it heal. Then get into a camp. It will be on early next year. ‘Riyadh season’ finishes in March, so [Fury-Usyk] could take place up until March.”
Fury still favourite according to pundits and bookies
Despite an underwhelming performance, Fury is still favourite to come out on top against Usyk. While the Ukrainian is also undefeated as a professional and is generally rated as the better boxer, having enjoyed success at cruiserweight as well as heavyweight, the sheer size and strength of Fury have many thinking that he will simply be too much for his rival, should he be at his best.
Carl Frampton, a former world champion in two weight classes, insists Fury remains the likely winner.
Frampton believes Fury still has the edge on Usyk, despite being shocked by Ngannou.
Speaking to BBC Sport Frampton said “I still have Fury as a favourite against Usyk,
“He obviously needs to be much better than he was in his last fight, which he will be.”
At the time of writing Unibet have Fury priced at 4/9 with Usyk 17/10 and a draw 16/1.
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